PORT ST. LUCIE | Love was in the air at St. Lucie Church for the 2025 diocesan wedding anniversary Mass Feb. 8, 2025. There were many smiling faces as the anniversary couples married 25 to 70-plus years were eager to renew their commitment and dedication to each other.
Husbands and wives celebrating their anniversaries, along with friends and family members, filled the church. Before Mass began, the couples married for many years were asked by the Florida Catholic: “What is your secret to a long-lasting marriage?” They seemed happy to share their stories.
The longest-married couple in attendance was George and Clare White of St. Helen in Vero Beach, celebrating 78 years of marital bliss. George said his secret is, “We go to daily Mass every day.” Clare agreed and said, “And it’s communication.”
Married 75 years, Edward and Norma Lewandowski are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Port St. Lucie. Edward said his recipe for a long marriage is that “she’s awesome.”
The celebration of the Eucharist was presided by Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, with Conventual Franciscan Father Mark Szanyi, St. Lucie’s pastor, and Father Brian King, episcopal secretary, concelebrating.
“It’s always a joy to be here, to be with Father Mark and to be with all of you,” the bishop said. “This is one of the happiest occasions of the year, celebrating your wedding anniversaries and your faith and your commitment to your marriage, and your love is such a blessing to all of us.”
Bishop Barbarito said, “Today, we have some very significant anniversaries to celebrate. All together we have 7,489 years of married life. There are five couples celebrating their 25th anniversary, 12 celebrating the 40th anniversary, 22 celebrating 50, 34 celebrating between 51 to 59 years, four celebrating 60, and 37 celebrating over 61 years of marriage. Congratulations to all of you, and it’s great to be with all of you.”
Marie D’Amico, celebrating 73 years of marriage to Vincent D’Amico, said their secret has been, “Finding the right man and loving him.” Vincent said, “I can’t improve on that.”
In his homily, Bishop Barbarito spoke about the song lyrics, “Love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage ...”
“That very well-known song popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1955, celebrates in a down-to-earth and humorous manner the absolute truth of the indissoluble union between love and marriage in which they go together,” he said.
“The true love of marriage is what keeps the family together and enables the family to grow. True love goes far beyond any popular and sentimental song and embraces the depth and meaning which imparts true joy,” the bishop said.
“This year we are celebrating your anniversaries during the Jubilee Year of Hope initiated by Pope Francis. The theme for this year, in the words of St. Paul as chosen by Pope Francis, is ‘Hope does not disappoint,’” Bishop Barbarito said. “A good reflection on marriage is one that sees marriage and hope going together just as marriage and love go together.”
“As we celebrate your anniversaries during the Jubilee Year of Hope, we realize how hope and love go together in marriage and you can’t have one without the other,” he added. “You are living examples of this, and we are very grateful to you as we wish you all a prayerful congratulations and our deep gratitude.”
Following his homily, the husbands and wives faced each other while holding hands and renewed their marriage commitment and promise to each other. “It is my privilege to be here to witness that renewal of promise,” Bishop Barbarito said. “Let us turn to the Lord in prayer that these vows may be strengthened by divine grace.”
Other couples revealed their recipes for marriages that have endured. John and Stella Reynolds of Holy Redeemer in Palm City, marking 71 years of marriage, were in attendance. John said, “We love each other, and we go to church every day.”
Jeannette and Joseph Cantalupo of St. Andrew in Stuart will celebrate 70 years in April. Joseph said, “Never go to bed angry and give one kiss good night.” Jeannette added, “Yes, and the next day is another day.”
The wedding anniversary Masses are coordinated and organized by the Office of Marriage and Family Life of the Diocese of Palm Beach. A second celebration is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at St. Jude Church in Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.diocesepb.org/ministriesoffices/ministries/marriage-family-life-faith-formation-youth-ministry/ or call 561-775-9539.
