Wedding Anniversary Mass Sunday

Red Roses

Today, we attended the beautiful Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. All couples from the diocese who were celebrating their 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, etc. anniversaries this year were invited to attend a special Mass, concelebrated by the Bishop, and two other priests, where we renewed our marriage vows to one another and our wedding rings were blessed. This was so touching. I couldn't believe it, but I felt nervous again, just like I did when we were married. You would think after 15 years I would be a little more at ease. But, there are times I still find it hard to believe that the Lord has blessed me with such a wonderful man.

It was all very romantic and the bishop told us in his homily that today's celebration of marriage was meant to "stir up the flame" within our marriages. What could be more rewarding than being married in the Church, which recognizes the sanctity of marital love and supports and encourages us in all our trials, as we share this journey with our lifetime companions?

The ceremony was very moving, as there were many couples there celebrating their 50th anniversaries and even some celebrating their 60th and 65th anniversaries.

This celebration of our marriage was really special to us because we invited a young couple from our parish who have been married for one year to join us. Both are relatively new to Kansas, as we are. He is a convert to Catholicism, as of two years ago, and she has been Catholic all her life and lived in a neighborhood of close-knit Catholic families. They are both so devout in their faith. I wish all Catholics were like them. They attend daily Mass, both kneel at the Communion rail, and they always stay after Mass to pray. There are many people in our parish who are good, solid Catholics, but this couple really shines.

After Mass, there was a beautiful reception, where the bishop went around congratulating each of the couples personally. On the way out, each of the women from every couple received a rose - I selected a red one similar to those in this picture. I know, we should have taken some photos, but we left without the camera. There were group photos taken with the bishop, so I may post one at a later date.

Here's a great website to link to: http://www.foryourmarriage.org/. This is a Catholic site for those who are dating, engaged, newlywed or are a mature couple.
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