Of the couples present, 49 are celebrating 25 years, 75 are celebrating 50 years, 77 are celebrating 51-59 years, 43 are celebrating 60-69 years, and four are celebrating 70 or more years. One couple, Mr. and Mrs. Nunes, received a plaque acknowledging that they were the longest-married couple in attendance. This year marks 77 years of their marriage and is the third year in a row that they have received this acknowledgement. 

The Mass is a special way to recognize all those celebrating milestone anniversaries as well as witness of the truth behind the sacrament of matrimony– that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman for the rest of their lives. 

“I give thanks to God for the gift and witness of each of your marriages to the world which desperately needs hope, and which desperately needs a good example of what living a sacramental and covenantal marriage is all about,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes in his homily. 

“While others may have wavered or changed their definitions of what marriage is, we as a Church have not. We have been steadfast in what we understand and believe to be God’s intention for this particular sacrament.” 

When asked to share advice for a successful marriage, four couples expressed a common focus: keep God at the center of their relationship. 

“I’ve talked to a lot of priests, and one told me that marriage is like a triangle with the husband, wife, and God. As you get closer to God, you get closer to each other,” shared Janet Swengros. “You have to make sure God is the center.” Janet and her husband, Bill, celebrate 72 years of marriage this year. They also shared that they have been blessed with six children including Father Bill Swengros, Pastor at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Tarpon Springs, 14 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. 

“You really need a foundation because it’s tough. But it’s in those tough times that you can reach out and you can depend upon each other,” said Teresa McCormick. “Always have respect no matter how you disagree and keep God in your life.” Teresa and her husband, Pat, were high school sweethearts and celebrate 50 years of marriage this year. 

“It’s a lot of give and take,” explained Lloyd Hillis. “There are good times and bad times, but you get to trust your partner and live up to your vows: ‘I told God I would be with her the rest of my life.” Lloyd and his wife, Noelia, met in Puerto Rico and celebrate 52 years of marriage this year.

National Marriage Week takes place the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. World Marriage Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in February. During this week, Catholics are asked to focus on supporting and promoting sacramental marriage and the family. The theme this year is Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love!