NEWARK, N.J. — More than 200 couples celebrating 50, 25, and five years of marriage were recognized during a special Wedding Anniversary Mass held June 1 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and presided over by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark.
The event, part of the Catholic Church’s ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope, honored the enduring commitment of couples across northern New Jersey. During the liturgy, couples renewed their wedding vows and held each other’s rings as Cardinal Tobin offered a blessing.
“The sacrament of marriage is a daily reminder that this isn’t about luck or chance or karma,” Cardinal Tobin said during the Mass. “It’s about recognizing that God brought us together—and God will be there when we need Him.”
Cardinal Tobin also reflected on the faith-centered marriage of his own parents, sharing how their example shaped his understanding of enduring love rooted in spiritual foundation.
Commemorative celebration of faith and fidelity
Following the Mass, each couple had the opportunity to meet with Cardinal Tobin, who personally congratulated them and presented commemorative pins marking their milestone anniversaries. Couples celebrating 50 years received gold pins featuring interlocked rings in front of a cross, symbolizing the central role of Christ in lifelong marriage.
The event was organized by the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office for Family Life Ministry, which offers programs and resources to strengthen families through faith-based support.
The Archdiocese of Newark, led by Cardinal Tobin, serves over 1.3 million Catholics across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties.
