Arlington, Va., Oct 26, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Bishop Paul Loverde led the Diocese of Arlington in a celebration of the dignity of marriage Sunday at the Marriage Jubilee Mass.
Nearly 180 golden and silver jubilarian couples renewed their wedding vows at the annual event, celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, reported the Arlington Herald.
"You are witness to the dignity of marriage. You are witness that a marriage takes three – husband, wife and Jesus," said Bishop Loverde Arlington. The jubilee mass has been celebrated in the diocese for the last 28 years and is sponsored by the Office for Family Life.
The gathering was very diverse with couples of many ages and nationalities. There were readings in Hispanic, and many of those celebrating wore festive regional costumes.
“Lord, increase and consecrate the love which these couples have for one another,” the bishop petitioned. “The wedding rings they once exchanged are a sign of their fidelity," said the bishop.”
After the jubilarians renewed their vows, the bishop presented each couple with a certificate.
"When the bishop asked us to renew our vows, it really was a special moment, paramount to the day of our marriage," said Barbara Nestro, married for 50 years. "My husband, Joseph, and I are ready for many more years of marriage."
The mass was followed by a reception, organized by the Council of Catholic Women.