Love, nourished by the sacraments and the Word of God

In a festive Mass at Corpus Christi Cathedral, 66 couples celebrated milestones in their lives together: some looked back on 25 years of marriage, others 50 years, and three couples will celebrate 60 or 65 years in 2025. A warm and long applause honored their commitment and faithfulness.

In his homily, Bishop Mulvey — who will celebrate 50 years of ordination to the priesthood in June — reminded the couples that there is only one path to follow: Jesus Christ. “Some people tell me I should stop talking so much about love, but then I would have to stop talking about God, because God is Love.” He went on to say that only love unites, and only God can truly unite us.

This love is nourished by the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and the words of the Gospel: “Every Word that God gave us is a message of love.” We should ask, “Is He present in our relationship? In our home, in our communities?” Jesus died for each of us personally, was buried, and rose from the dead for each of us. “Nothing can overcome the power of God.”

The marital vows – “I will love you and honor you, all the days of my life” – reflect how Jesus gave His life on the cross: “He gave His life for us – you promised to give your life for one another, in good times and in bad times… In a world that looks for the ‘easy way out,’ you have chosen the path of Jesus Christ, all the way to the end.” The bishop thanked them for their example of love for Jesus Christ.

After the mass, a reception in St. Joseph’s Hall followed, where everyone could enjoy brunch and take pictures with Bishop Mulvey. Some couples shared their secrets for a long and happy marriage: "patience," “good communication,” and “trust.” But most importantly, “growing in faith together – going to mass, attending adoration, and serving together.”