Retrouvaille: A Ministry of Hope for Troubled Marriages
Every marriage experiences challenges. For some couples, those challenges are relatively minor—a breakdown in communication, unresolved conflict, or the stress of balancing work and family life. For others, the struggles run much deeper and may involve separation, infidelity, addiction recovery, loss of trust, or the painful feeling of growing apart.
For more than two decades, Retrouvaille has been helping couples throughout the Victoria area find hope, healing, and practical tools to strengthen their relationships.
The word Retrouvaille (pronounced re-tro-vi) is a French word meaning “rediscovery.” The program was founded by Catholic couples who had experienced serious marital difficulties in their own relationships and wanted to help others find the same healing and renewal they had discovered. Today, Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples around the world and continues to be one of the Catholic Church’s most effective marriage ministries.
​One of the most common misconceptions about Retrouvaille is that it is only for couples whose marriages are on the brink of divorce. While many participants are indeed experiencing significant difficulties, the program is also beneficial for couples who simply want to improve communication, deepen their relationship, and strengthen the foundation of their marriage.
Retrouvaille is not marriage counseling and it is not group therapy. Participants are never asked to publicly discuss their personal problems or share details of their marriage with other couples. Instead, the program provides practical communication tools and guided exercises that allow spouses to work privately with one another.​
The program begins with a weekend experience led by married couples and a priest or clergy member. What makes the presenting teams unique is that they have all experienced significant struggles in their own marriages. Through commitment, perseverance, faith, and the tools learned through Retrouvaille, they found healing and renewal. They now volunteer their time to help other couples who may be walking a similar path.
Following the weekend, couples participate in a series of post-weekend sessions that reinforce the communication techniques learned during the program. These sessions help couples continue the work of rebuilding trust, improving communication, and strengthening their relationship long after the weekend concludes.
Marriage is one of God's greatest gifts, but it requires ongoing care and attention. In a culture where many couples feel isolated in their struggles, Retrouvaille reminds us that no marriage is beyond hope when both spouses are willing to try.
As Pope Francis often reminded married couples, marriage is not about perfection but about learning to love, forgive, and begin again. Retrouvaille offers couples a practical opportunity to do just that.
The next Retrouvaille Weekend for Victoria will be held July 31–August 2, 2026.
Couples interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the local Retrouvaille team. All inquiries are completely confidential. Because the weekend is approaching and space is limited, couples are encouraged to reach out as soon as possible. Registration will close by 07/24/26.
For information about the Victoria-area program, contact Garret and Megan Bubela at (800) 470-2230, email [email protected], or visit www.helpourmarriage.org/victoria