| Celebrating Marriage Again and Again |
| Written by John Bohuslaw | |||
| Tuesday, 04 October 2005 10:54 | |||
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HARTFORD – The wedding ceremony, romantic the first time around when couples pledge their vows, remains romantic even decades later. "We’re still in love," exclaimed Carmella Jankowski, of the Church of the Nativity Parish in Bethlehem. "Married 35 years. It’s amazing. We try. Yes, we are still very much in love. We’d do it again and again."  The Jankowskis were joined by Salvatore and Clara Macco, Mrs. Jankowski’s father-in-law and mother, who celebrated a 65th wedding anniversary. They said they felt the anniversary Mass was a special spiritual moment.  Donald and Chris Paglia, the husband-wife directors of the archdiocesan Family Life, Marriage and Family Apostolate, coordinated the annual event. Mr. Paglia said this year’s anniversary Mass was the largest he’s seen in his 26 years of participation. "Everyone is so enthusiastic about it," said Mr. Paglia. "And what was important was that Archbishop Mansell was very much behind enlarging this year’s service. Parishioners eagerly responded to him." Lee and Angela Epanov, from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Hartford, were there to celebrate their 50th anniversary. They were hugged by their three grandchildren, Daniel, Andre and Maria. The grandparents said they found the event so moving that they could barely speak. Daniel and Diane Freeman of St. Paul Parish in Kensington gave each other an affectionate hug as they celebrated their 25th anniversary. "God willing, we’ll do it again in 25 years," Mr. Freeman said. "This is a lovely ceremony." Francis and Ruth Austin, of St. Mary Parish in Newington, echoed the phrase of many of the participants: "We’d do it again and again." In his homily, Archbishop Mansell congratulated the couples. "Where charity and love reside, there is God," he said. The Archbishop said their continuing love is a testimony to the ability to endure trials, overcome the stresses and strains of everyday life and resist evil. "You found that under God, all things are possible," he said. "You have held to the core values." "Your vows have been meaningful. It’s a legacy you continue to live," said Archbishop Mansell. Prior to the renewal of vows, the Archbishop said, "On the day of your wedding, you received the Lord’s blessing through the sacrament of marriage, which you administered to each other in the presence of a priest and witness. "Today you stand before the world as a striking testimony of God’s grace, conferred in marriage …. Our world has a great need of the living testimony which your fidelity and loyalty give to all. In the name of Christ, of the Church and all who are present, I extend grateful congratulations to you and prayerful wishes for your future years together." The Archbishop awarded scrolls to every couple at the conclusion of the Mass.
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