Bishop Earl Fernandes celebrated Mass at the diocese’s annual Jubilee of Anniversaries for the first time and asked the married couples gathered at Dublin St. Brigid of Kildare Church to serve as witnesses to young people who might be reluctant to enter into the sacrament.
The diocese’s Office of Marriage and Family Life annually recognizes couples who have reached significant milestone wedding anniversaries of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 or more years. This year’s Mass and reception took place on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25 and was attended by a large gathering of honorees, family members and friends.
On the altar for Mass with Bishop Fernandes, who was ordained and installed as the diocese’s 13th bishop on May 31, were Msgr. Joseph Hendricks, pastor at St. Brigid of Kildare; and Deacons Paul Zemanek, Steve Petrill and Frank Iannarino.
A reception was held afterward in the parish hall, where Bishop Fernandes personally greeted many of the attendees.
Each registered couple, regardless of whether they attended the Mass, were given certificates marking the longevity of their marriage.
That long-term marital commitment, Bishop Fernandes emphasized in his homily, is what the world needs to see, particularly with divorce becoming widespread.
“How many young people today hesitate to get married?” Bishop Fernandes asked. “Maybe they experienced the pain of divorce.
“You are living proof that they can make it. But (they might ask) how would I make it? That’s where your wisdom comes in – your lived experience. This is what I ask, no matter how old you are, is to share your wisdom, share your gifts.
“We are grateful to you for your many sacrifices, for your faith. But now let us continue to compete well. Each and every day we try to grow in holiness. Each and every day we encourage others and offer witness along this great and marvelous journey.”
Bishop Fernandes began his 17-minute homily reflecting on the readings for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time before speaking to the married couples about their vocation.
The bishop mentioned watching the sacrifices made by his four brothers and their wives in raising families. He also referred to the special bond his own parents shared.
“Many of you are celebrating great jubilees,” the bishop said. “You wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t opened your heart to Christ.
“You also open your hearts to the gift of life, and you open your hearts to Christ in moments of crisis. I look at my brothers and their wives raising their children, and I say that’s hard work. I could never do that.
“A crisis is not always a bad thing. It’s also an opportunity for growth or sanctification or forgiveness or repentance. No marriage is ever perfect, though they are blessed. We give thanks to God for you because you have given witness to Christ and the Church.”
A Catholic marriage, he pointed out, is a lifelong commitment that takes work but produces abundant rewards.
“We speak of marriage as a sacrament,” he said. “Some of you are old enough to be taught the Baltimore Catechism. What is a sacrament? A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.
“In marriage, it is the husband and wife who are ministers of the sacrament. A special bond is formed that nothing can ever separate because it symbolizes the love that Christ has for His bride, the Church.
“And for many years, you have given witness. I also offer you words of encouragement. Keep going, don’t stop now. St. Paul told Timothy to compete well in the fight for faith. Heaven awaits you. Marriage has its ups and downs, but it needs sanctification.”
Bishop Fernandes referenced the insights of Sts. Pio of Pietrelcina and Pope John Paul II on marriage. Padre Pio’s feast day was celebrated two days before the jubilee, on Sept. 23.
“Padre Pio spoke of God as the divine artist and that He wanted to build a building out of living stones,” the bishop said. “Some of you know the trials of marriage. Padre Pio says that’s just the divine artist.
“In the end, the divine artist has created a masterpiece. St. John Paul II says marriage is a vocation and gift to build up the Church and increase the kingdom of God in the world.
“You have been building the Church through your families.”
Bishop Fernandes pointed to ongoing sacrifice as the key to any successful marriage. That sacrifice will bear the ultimate fruit in the end.
“When you go home to your domestic churches, continue to celebrate,” he said. “Money and the things of this world are passing away. Love and God’s love, that is forever, and that is our eternal reward.”
After the homily, the bishop asked the honorees to stand for a special blessing of their marriages:
“Eternal Father, you have so exalted the unbreakable bond of marriage that it has become the sacramental sign of your Son’s union with the Church as its spouse. Look with favor on these couples, who you have united in marriage, as they ask for your help under the protection of the Virgin Mary. They pray that in good times and in bad they will grow in love for each other. They will resolve to be of one heart in the bond of peace.
“Lord, in their struggles, let them rejoice, and you are here to help them. In their needs, let them know that you are there to rescue them. In their joys, let them see that you are the source of completion of every happiness.”
