Sacrament of Marriage celebrated at Evening Prayer

Celebrating the day they chose to cleave together as husband and wife, forsaking all others, some 88 couples stood before family, friends and God to reaffirm their marriage vows during the annual diocesan Silver and Gold and Five Year Wedding Anniversaries Evening Prayer Service, held Oct. 20 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. 

“Blessed are you, Lord, for in the good and the bad times of our life you have stood lovingly by our side,” the couples recited as they gazed deeply into the eyes of their beloved spouses. “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.”

Bishop James F. Checchio presided over the annual event, sponsored by the Office of Family Life, congratulating each married couple in turn as they posed for a picture with him. Hundreds of congregants craned their necks and held camera phones aloft to capture the public profession of love by their parents, grandparents or friends.

For more than 25 years, the Diocese has honored those celebrating 25 and 50 or more years of marriage; two couples recognized for especially-long marriages this year were Thomas and Patricia Gallo of Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, 68 years, and Anthony and Mary Virrazzi of St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, 70 years. 

Cristina D’Averso-Collins, director of the Office of Family Life, reflected on the benefits of the event for couples and onlookers alike.

“The Silver and Gold Prayer Service is always an inspiring experience, especially given the many cultural threats to marriage and family life,” she said. “There is, sadly, a deep cultural cynicism, insofar as many do not believe that lasting marriage is even possible anymore. The witness of these couples clearly demonstrates that with Christ at the center, marriages can and do last.”

D’Averso-Collins noted this year the office expanded the group of invitees to those couples earlier on the road to wedded bliss by including those celebrating their fifth year as man and wife, calling it “inspiring.”

“Research has shown that these early years of marriage are particularly divorce-vulnerable, so it is essential that we keep these couples connected and help them to see effective witnesses of lasting marriage,” she said.

In his homily, the Bishop thanked the couples for their faithful witness and allowing the Creator to take a prominent place in their minds, hearts, homes and families. He shared Pope Francis’ observation that marriage is a gift to our Church and our society, both benefiting and being enriched by that sacrament.

“Marriage calls you to steer a tiny boat, wave-tossed yet sturdy, across a sometimes stormy sea,” Bishop Checchio said. “Let us never forget by the virtue of the Sacrament of matrimony, Jesus is present in your boat. Whenever your marriage is buffeted by rough winds or storms, welcome Jesus into your boat just as the apostles did when they encountered rough seas.

“Marriage is a way God reveals himself as love…[and] your spouse is your road to heaven. The secret is seeking the well-being of your spouse,” he concluded.




Couples present at the Silver and Gold Evening Prayer Service were invited to share their observations on how to maintain a strong, faith-filled marriage:

Since we first met, God’s presence among us has been a bright light shining down upon us, helping us to navigate good waters, as well as difficult ones.  Every challenge that we overcame and all the happiness that we shared, was a testament of the blessings knitted into our relationship by God.  God’s protection and care will carry us through the next 25 years and beyond! We look forward to celebrating our 50th with St. Francis Cathedral in 2049!
David and Ana Irizarry, St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen, 25 years

The celebration was a total pleasure. This is our 40th year of marriage and our second to have attended. Both times were great. Our advice to all married couples is sharing. Share every aspect of your love for God and each other every day. Share your thoughts, finances, and challenges as a continual growing experience.
Lisa Jane & Christopher McManemin, St. James, Basking Ridge, 40 years

Our belief and faith in God is very strong. We believe He is in control, knows what is best for us and we have always trusted him with our lives in good times as well as the difficult ones… Our relationship started as young neighbors, friends then best friends. We believe that young couples need a foundation of friendship first. Respect, dedication and honesty are also necessary for a long-lasting marriage. 
Deborah & Charles Chamak, St. Joseph, Hillsborough, 50 years

Our faith has always been a part of our marriage and our family life … Early in our marriage, we experienced a tragedy (the death of our infant son). I believe it was only through our faith that we were able to move forward, have another child, and enjoy life to the best of our ability. 
Richard and Ginny Jennings, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge, 50 years

First and foremost is to place God in the center of your relationship and you cannot go wrong. Also, acceptance and forgiveness play a vital role in maintaining our married life. We have been married for 50 years now and hoping to reach more blessed years to come.
Ludovico C. & Anicia R. Lausin, St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park, 50 years

Our advice for a couple desiring a long-lasting, strong marriage would be to be truthful to each other, spend time with each other and keep God in your life together. 
Jim and Ginny Brogan, Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville, 50 Years

As a couple we have always tried to listen to each other and usually end up agreeing on various issues. We usually attend Sunday Mass and try to be good Catholics. We also try to instill beliefs to the members of our family.  
Nicholas & Virginia Cocco, Sacred Heart, South Plainfield, 50 years

The best advice we can offer is that love is built on trust. Our mutual strong Catholic belief has carried us through the Blessings and the Challenges! 
Deacon Lawrence J. and Denise Errico Duffy, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville, 50 years

Our Catholic faith aided us by prayer and inspiration in good and bad times.
Michael and Laura Munczenski, St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown, 5 years

The only advice I can give to other couples is to stay steadfast in your love for each other in good times and in rough times because of your faith and love for Jesus Christ and each other.
James and Yvonne Rude, St. Mary’s Stony Hill, Watchung, 50 years

We were so happy to be able to be part of this prayer service to celebrate our 55th anniversary. Together you can face whatever life hands you as long as you keep moving forward with love, patience and faith in God. And never go to bed angry!!
Robert and Linda Rosso, Nativity of Our Lord, Monroe Twp., 55 years

We were privileged to attend both Marriage Encounter and Retrouvaille which were available through the Catholic church. Advice is to be in it for your spouse first if you want to get the most out of your marriage for yourself. 
Tom and Pat Gallo, Immaculate Conception, Spotswood, 68 years