More than 50 married couples in the Catholic Diocese of Norwich gathered on Sunday, October 4, for a special Silver and Golden Jubilee Anniversary Mass to celebrate and honor their enduring love.
This year, the Mass, with Bishop Richard F. Reidy as celebrant, honored the unions of 56 couples within the Diocese of Norwich — from Philip and Gloria Lafave, celebrating 10 years, to John and Jane Sterry at 70 years.
Darren and Theresa Scruggs, observing 40 years of marriage, delivered the First (Isaiah 5:1 - 7) and Second (Philippians 4:6 - 9) Readings, respectively. JoAnne and Louis Beauvais, who celebrated 55 years on August 7, presented the Gifts of the Eucharist.
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| Photo: The Kings, Charlie and Bernice, celebrate 50 years of marriage Oct. 4 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. Ryan Blessing |
In the Renewal of Marriage Commitment, the bishop addressed the couples.
"Faithful marriage is a sign, a re-creation in time and space of Jesus’ love for his people, the Church," he said. "We believe that selfless love, which is the core of the Gospel message, is truly the very heart of marriage. We believe that husbands and wives who work together for the benefit of their families give us an example of strength, courage, and virtue. Today, years after your wedding day, you know so much better both the joys and rewards of your commitment."
During the Renewal of Marriage Commitment, the couples all turned to their spouse and recited the commitment:
“Blessed are You, Lord, for in the good and the bad times of our life, You have stood lovingly by our side. Help us, we pray, to remain faithful in our love for one another, so that we may be true witnesses to the covenant You have made with humankind.”
By Ryan Blessing
Four County Catholic