Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

BRIDGEPORT– “You’ve made a choice to remain faithful in a world that does not want to make choices that matter,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano told the nearly 70 couples who gathered for the wedding Jubilarian Mass at Cathedral Church of Saint Augustine Bridgeport

“Thank you for your witness and for being the beauty of love in our midst,” the bishop said after leading the couples in their Renewal of Commitment in which they thanked God for each other and prayed “to remain faithful in love for one another so that we may be true witnesses to the covenant you made with humankind.”

In a joyful ceremony the bishop told the couples and their families that the Jubilarian Mass is one of his favorite events of the year. “All of you give me great encouragement and hope through the power and beauty of the married love you share,” he said.

During the annual Mass, the Bishop invited the couples celebrating anniversaries ranging from 25 to 70 years to renew their wedding vows.

He began the Renewal of Commitment ceremony by asking the couples to stand and take each other’s hand saying, “My dear friends, as we celebrate the anniversary of that celebration at which you joined your lives in an unbreakable bond. Through the Sacrament of Matrimony, you now intend to renew before the Lord the promises you made to one another. Turn to the Lord in prayer, That these vows may be strengthened by divine grace.”

After the couples quietly renewed their commitment, the bishop prayed, “May the Lord keep you safe all the days of your life. May he be your comfort in adversity and your support in prosperity. May he fill your home with his blessings through Christ our Lord.”

Mr. and Mrs. John and Eleanor McGuire of Danbury topped the list by celebrating their 70th Anniversary, followed by Mr. and Mrs. John and Eileen Faley of Trumbull, 69 years.

Also celebrating marriages of 65 years or over were Mr. and Mrs. Patsy and Patrician Pagliarulo of Trumbull, 67 years; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Deanne Donia of Stratford, 66 years; and Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Eileen Doyle of Danbury, 65 years; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph & Jacqueline Rainone, Sr. Stuart, Florida, 65 years.

Photos by Amy Mortensen and Brian Wallace

Elaine Bissenden, wife of retired Deacon Bill Bissenden, delivered the First and Second Readings. The couple was celebrating their 57th anniversary.

Fr. Arthur Mollehauer, Pastor of the Cathedral parish, celebrated the Jubilarian Mass and delivered the homily. He described matrimony as a life of service in which “the two become one and give their life to each other.”

He said that in a world where relationships are often viewed as disposable, Christian marriage means one thing, “to love in the way Jesus loved, to lay down your life for your spouse.”

“St. Paul said, ‘Do not conform yourself to the age,” Fr. Mollehauer said, noting that good marriages are based on mutual affection and the willingness to anticipate each other’s needs. Echoing the words of St. Paul, he said, “Don’t grow slack. couples must work to renew their love.”

Liturgical Musicians for the Mass included Kristen Gionfriddo, Cantor; Jennifer Trahan, Violinist ; Diocesan Choir Laura Intravia, Choir Director and Assisting Organist; and Dr. William H. Atwood, Organist and Diocesan Director of Music.

Following Mass, families and friends came forward to congratulate the couples who then enjoyed having their photos taken with Bishop Caggiano.

Photos by Amy Mortensen

Wedding Jubilee Couples 2023