Julio César Mora and Waldramina Quintero were married in Quito, Ecuador, on February 7, 1941, in La Iglesia de El Beleń. Their parents disapproved of the union, so they were married in secret with their godparents and close friends as witnesses.

At ages 110 and 104, Julio César and Waldramina are now the world’s oldest married couple with a combined age of over 215 years, according to Guinness World Records. So what’s their secret? Timmerie Geagea recently discussed what has helped the couple’s marriage remain strong for eight decades.

Seven years of friendship for the Ecuadorian couple led to a long and happy marriage. Timmerie points out that a basis of chastity is vital to a healthy relationship.

“My argument is that chastity is at the heart of that. You see, we can’t have a chaste relationship before marriage anymore … we start dating before we even know a person. We start sleeping with them before we even know them,” she said.

But when people take the virtuous path of chastity, they are able to experience “no strings-attached dating”, where you can get to know a person and see how they interact with other people before you begin a dating relationship.

As parents of 5, grandparents of 11, great-grandparents of 21, and great-great-grandparents of 9, the happy couple believes that unity is key to a strong family.

“Family unity under the rules of love, mutual respect, honest work, and proper education based on family values are the keys to healthy coexistence,” the couple told Guinness World Records.

The education their five children received began at home. “This comes back to that whole idea where the Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children. Because you learn how to be a human person, you learn how to be happy and good and honest with yourself within the context of a family and through those family values. In that sense of responsibility,” explained Timmerie.

Certainly, the Catholic couple has leaned on their faith throughout the ups and downs of life. The values and love they instilled in their children have led to a beautiful family.

Julio César and Waldramina debunk the lies of the current culture that one should live with or sleep with someone before marriage or pursue education and career ahead of family and virtue. Their lasting marriage is proof that faith, love, and hard work go into a strong and unbreakable life together.

Listen to the segment:

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