Celebrating lifelong marriage: Archdiocese will honor more than 350 couples
September 13, 2013
ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
By Catherine Rogan, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Media Relations Specialist
WHEN: Sunday, September 15, 2013, 3 p.m.
WHERE: Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston.
Celebrating lifelong marriage: Archdiocese will honor more than 350 couples
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo to celebrate annual 50th Wedding Anniversary Mass
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo to celebrate annual 50th Wedding Anniversary Mass
They met on a blind date more than 50 years ago, seven months later they were married at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where they are still active members to this day. On Sunday, Sept. 15, Judy and David Schubert will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary the same way Judy’s parents did 25 years ago, at the Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Mass.
They will be alongside more than 250 other couples celebrating their lifelong unions. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo will honor them in this special Mass, which will provide them the opportunity to renew their wedding vows with their children, grandchildren and other family members. They also will receive a certificate marking the occasion, as will an additional 100 couples unable to attend the Mass.
“Wedding anniversary celebrations are such joyous occasions. They serve as an opportunity to take stock of all that has sustained a couple throughout their marriage,” said Deacon Arturo Monterrubio, Archdiocesan Director of Family Life Ministry. “Without a doubt, none of us can succeed on our own, but with the enduring presence of our God, who is Love itself, there is no challenge that cannot be overcome.”
Peggy and Leo McLean wanted to mark their 50th Anniversary with something special. They considered a cruise, visits to lands of their ancestors, a return to New Orleans, where they were married, but decided a better, simpler and wonderful idea was to celebrate with other Catholics from throughout the area at the wedding anniversary Mass.
Both the McLeans and the Schuberts say that their faith and continuous involvement in their parishes have helped preserve their marriages. Mr. Schubert said that these things help as they “try to keep God at the center of our lives and to daily live the two great commandments: love God –love neighbor.”
Mr. McLean said “our upbringing (he and his wife were raised Catholic) and practice of the Faith has given us a conviction that our marriage, however imperfect, is a permanent commitment we have made to God, each other, our five children and 10 grandchildren.”
Many find this Mass brings back the memories of when they said “I do” the first time. The love, anticipation, excitement and wave of other emotions come flooding back and they return to their marriage with a renewed vigor.
“These couples are witnesses of God’s ever-abiding grace. Each year more and more couples attend this archdiocese-wide celebration to thank God for the gift of so many years of marriage. They are life-giving examples to our community, and should be recognized as such. It is for this reason that our local Cardinal, Daniel DiNardo, presides at the celebration of this momentous milestone,” concluded Deacon Monterrubio.
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serves 1.2 million Catholics in 10 counties.
It is the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the 12th largest in the United States.
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It is the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the 12th largest in the United States.
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