NEWARK, NJ – Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, led a special mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on April 16 to honor over 100 couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Some couples were also celebrating their 60th, 65th, and 70th years together. The couples, who came from various counties in New Jersey, held each other’s wedding rings as the Cardinal prayed for God to bless their love and help them grow in the grace of matrimony.
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin praised the couples for choosing to commit their lives to each other, despite the challenges that come with any long-lasting relationship. He also reminded them that their faith in each other on their wedding day was a trust in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, who will continue to guide them through their journey together.
As a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Cardinal Tobin shared a special connection with the couples celebrating their 50th anniversaries, as it has been 50 years since he professed his own vows. After the mass, the Cardinal personally congratulated each couple and gave them gold pins depicting interlocked wedding rings in front of a cross.
The Golden Anniversary Mass was organized by the archdiocesan Office for Family Life Ministry, which supports families’ faith through programs, ministry training, and spiritual initiatives. The next mass will be held on May 7 and will honor couples celebrating their 5th and 25th wedding anniversaries, with Auxiliary Bishop Gregory J. Studerus presiding. To learn more about the Office for Family Life Ministry, visit www.rcan.org/offices-and-ministries/family-life/mission-staff.