This ministry was founded by Deacon Élix and his wife, Luz Castro, with spiritual guidance from Father Rafael Martos (RIP). The MDS ministry promotes the support and restoration of marriages and families through marriage retreats called Dialogo Matrimonial. They also offer weekly support meetings for married and unmarried couples (who wish to formalize their relationship through the sacraments). 

It is a great blessing that the work of this ministry has not been limited to the founders; currently, there are approximately 175 married couples serving in the movement in the diocese. The weekend of December 5-7, the 118th Marriage Dialogue will be held in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Twenty-eight couples from various parishes in our diocese will participate, along with a group of 26 married couples serving the retreat. Currently, MDS has 19 parishes in this diocese, each holding weekly support groups. Around 400 couples meet weekly to strengthen their relationship, support one another, and serve the Lord.

Furthermore, the ministry has been blessed to expand to other dioceses. Thanks to the recommendation and unwavering support of Bishop Gregory Parkes and the efforts of many couples committed to serving the Lord through this ministry, MDS has extended to six more dioceses in the United States, one in Mexico, and one in Colombia.

The MDS ministry will begin its English-language program with the first retreat from January 9-11, 2026. We trust in God that the English-speaking community will also benefit from this ministry, which has brought so much good to so many Spanish-speaking couples in our diocese.

For more information about the upcoming English-language program and retreat, click here.

For more information about the MDS ministry, click here.