St. George celebrates marriages

GEORGE WEST, Texas - “A Journey to the Promised Land,” was the theme for the celebration of Married Life at St. George Parish in George West.  The occasion, celebrated Feb. 11, was the observance of World Marriage Day.

The parish stewardship team came together to plan and to make this occasion special for the couples that had been married 40 years or more. They expected about 20 couples would be interested, but were surprised when 45 couples signed up.

“The theme has its roots in the Bible where the people of Israel journeyed for 40 years to reach the Promised Land. The journey was tough, challenging and testing. However in every moment of their journey and struggles the Lord was with them and they indeed reached the Promised Land,” Father George Johnson said. “’These 40 years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing’ (Deut 2:7b). Such has been the case for these couples. There were testing moments and dry spells but they endured with that extra bit of help from God. So there is every reason for a celebration.”

Father Johnson, pastor at St. George, sent all the couples that signed up a special invitation detailing the significance of the event and giving the time schedule. The couples began to gather early enough to pose for a photograph as a reminder of the picture taken on their wedding day. There might have been a few grey hairs and wrinkles this time around, but the love that prompted a broad smile was still burning alive in each of them even today.

As the choir sang the entrance hymn, the couples preceded Father Johnson in the entrance procession and took their places in the pews. The special Mass and homily focused on the significance of the celebration and the gratitude of the parish community for being witnesses of true marriage commitment.

Father Johnson then bestowed a special renewal of marriage promises, which stressed the value of each other, and the commitment will endure. The couples were so emotionally moved that it took some time for them to dry the eyes and regain their composure.

After the Mass all the couples proceeded to the parish hall for dinner. As the couples reached the hall they were escorted to the tables, which were previously marked for them. Dinner was served to each table with the help of servers chosen from the youth group.

Cosme and Amelia Diaz were the couple married for the longest period at 65 years, and they received special recognition at the dinner. Gifts were also given to the ones with most number of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“The day was made special for the couples and they left with renewed commitment and rejuvenated spirits, to begin a second journey through the Promised Land,” Father Johnson said.

The hard work and commitment of the stewardship team was what made the day a memorable one not just for the couples but also for the entire parish community, Father Johnson said.

“These couples with their witnessing to the sacrament of marriage taught us that they are living the ‘Stewardship of Being.’ It is a true testament to Christian Marriage and they need to be truly commended. May God continue to guide them through their journey,” Father Johnson said.