When asked about the secret to their lasting marriage; they said “love”!
A couple who got married before the first computer was invented. Sounds, wow! That’s the story of Maria and Manoel, the Guinness World Record holder of the couple with the longest living marriage. Their classic love marriage has resulted in a huge lineage with over 120 grandkids. Here’s how the couple met and how they are still ‘happily in love’ with each other.
Maria and Manoel have a cherished legacy of having been married for 84 years and 77 days, but their story began in 1936. That was a time when Brazil hadn’t even won a single FIFA World Cup but Maria de Sousa Dino won the man’s heart. Manoel Angelim Dino fell in ‘love at first sight’ when he met her but the relationship did not blossom then. It was only in a serendipitous encounter 4 years later when Manoel’s feelings reignited. He declared his love to her and Maria accepted, marking the beginning of a classic tale.
At first, Maria’s family was hesitant about the relationship but Manoel proved his worth. He started building a home for himself and Maria and this depicted his determination to provide for their future. Finally, the couple got their families’ approval and ended up getting married in 1940. Since then the couple has built a lovely life together. They diligently worked in agriculture for several decades supporting their growing family. They have raised 13 children, 55 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Their expanded lineage adds to the happiness and contentment the couple feels today.
The 105-year-old Manoel Angelim Dino and the 101-year-old Maria de Sousa Dino are now in their phase of tranquility spending a slow life together. In their later years, the couple spends most of their time resting and spending time with each other listening to prayers. The couple holds the record of the longest living marriage today after the deaths of previous couples holding similar world records.
When asked for the ‘secret’ to their long-lasting marriage, the couple believes that it’s their love that keeps the relationship alive and happy. Their story is an inspiration for all of us in this era of situationships and divorces. Their love and commitment toward each other are as strong as ever, demonstrating that real love can withstand the passage of time.
