In a joyous affirmation of the Sacrament of Matrimony, over 200 couples, attended by family members and friends, gathered at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, on Sept. 22 for the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass. Celebrant Bishop Alfred Schlert, who called the Mass “one of the most joyful celebrations that we have here at our Cathedral,” encouraged the couples present to “thank God for your years of married love.”
The Bishop’s exhortation immediately followed the Mass entrance hymn, “Celebrating Years Together,” set to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” a popular choice for nuptial Masses. The Diocesan Choir’s exuberant rendition undoubtedly brought back wedding-day memories for many couples present.
Celebrating 41 years of marriage were Deacon Roberto and Anna Reyes from St. Paul, Allentown. The Reyes come to the Anniversary Mass every year “because it’s such a blessing to see so many couples celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage, from the oldest to the youngest.”
Indeed, anniversaries ranging from 71 years down to one year were represented. Bishop Schlert led a round of applause in honor of George and Rose Pasch from St. Rocco, Martins Creek, whom the Bishop admiringly recognized as “the most seasoned couple.”
Also marking a milestone anniversary were St. Columbkill, Boyertown parishioners Robert and Sandra Eidle, celebrating 60 years. In their six decades at St. Columbkill, the Eidles have been involved in “all kinds of ministry.” Having common spousal interests is important, maintained Robert, who said he and his wife “tend to do things as a couple and share our experiences with each other.”
Although their enduring union has been an inspiration to many, the Eidles themselves draw inspiration from another couple’s marriage: that of their son and daughter-in-law.
The younger Eidles “are the parents of 14 homeschooled children,” said Sandra, “one of whom is [newly ordained] Father Keaton Eidle.” Father Keaton Eidle is Assistant Pastor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton.
So strong is the witness of a good marriage that Bishop Schlert told the gathered couples, “Today we celebrate your example to society of that witness to faithfulness, that witness to permanence, and that witness to love, that even in sacrifice, grows deeper.”
Based on information provided by the couples who had registered for the event, the years of marriage represented at the Anniversary Mass totaled 7,036.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” said Bishop Schlert. “And our society needs every one of those years.”
While marriage may legitimately be viewed as both a contract and a covenant, the Bishop noted that its purpose is unique.
“The first reason for marriage and the first fruit of marriage,” he asserted, “is holiness from the grace that flows from the Sacrament. That is ‘job one’ for any married couple: to help your spouse get to Heaven, helping each other grow in holiness.”
Eric Lipscomb is active in the Knights of Columbus and assists with the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). His wife Rachael serves the Diocese as a member of its livestreaming team and its Women’s Alliance. The couple, who were celebrating six years of marriage, belong to the Cathedral parish.
Eric shared his perspective on the Bishop’s “job one” for spousal holiness.
“The power of God’s grace at work is most clearly seen, I think, in the daily crosses of life,” said Eric. “Marriage reveals itself as a school of holiness, in which God teaches us to love as He loves.”
Deacon Roberto and Anna agreed, saying that “Marriage requires commitment, sacrifice, and forgiveness,” but ultimately “God is love, and love conquers all.”
After the Bishop’s homily, diocesan Director of Marriage and Family Life Rhady Tulloch and her husband, David, led the couples in a Reaffirmation of Vows. Countenances shone with both warm smiles and grateful tears as spouses stood face-to-face to renew their marriage covenant.
“It’s certainly a gift to have a partner who shares my faith,” said Rachael Lipscomb. “It feels like God brought us together.”
One of the beauties of Matrimony, observed Bishop Schlert, is that marriage is “a 100/100 proposition, wherein the couple meshes together in such a way that nothing is lacking.”
While acknowledging marital complementarity to be “a tall order,” the Bishop pointed out that “every blessing that we receive entails some kind of sacrifice.”
The Reyes face the challenges of married life with “lots of prayer, just like St. Monica,” noted Anna.
Gentleness and humor are what help the Lipscombs handle challenges. Said Rachael, “A good bit of patience for each other and an ability to laugh at ourselves has helped smooth bumps along our way.”
Agreeing that humor is essential for navigating hard times, Robert cheerfully shared his marriage hack: “I always get the last words,” he said. “Those words are ‘Yes, dear’!”
His wife’s key to a happy marriage? “Never go to bed without kissing each other good night – and meaning it.”
A video of the Anniversary Mass may be viewed on the Diocese of Allentown’s YouTube channel.
By Celeste Behe
