Cardinal Tobin advises couples there is strength in Jesus at anniversary Mass (Photos, video)
It was a celebration of love with God at its center as Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, blessed couples celebrating five and 25 years of marriage on Sunday, May 5.
Evelyn Apelizan, who has been married to Ronaldo for 25 years, said the Wedding Anniversary Mass held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was a “celebration of love and getting more blessings from God.”
The readings and the gospel spoke of love, as did Cardinal Tobin’s homily.
The Second Reading was from the First Letter of St. John: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.”
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The reading from the Gospel according to John referred to some of the last words Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
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In his homily, Cardinal Tobin spoke of the friendship between a husband and a wife.
“A true friend does not abandon you, even when you make a mistake,” he said. “Friendship is crucial for man and wife.”
Cardinal Tobin also spoke of his parents, who were married for 25 years before his father’s untimely death at 54. Although they came from different backgrounds, Cardinal Tobin said, “They helped each other over the years discover the best in each other.” They also prayed together every night, he said. “It’s not just a trite song. You have a friend in Jesus,” Cardinal Tobin said.
Carlos and Eileen Flores, who were celebrating 25 years of marriage, said the Mass celebrated by the cardinal was a beautiful way to honor their anniversary.
Jeffrey and Melissa Fuentes are celebrating their fifth anniversary. Jeffrey Fuentes said the Mass was a way to commemorate their marriage and their love. He added that the Church has played a large part in their marriage.
“Marriage is a lot of work, and it’s great to have the support of the Church and to have God in the center of our lives,” Melissa Fuentes said.
Cardinal Tobin blessed the couples: “In your love, you help us to understand how Christ loves us, and in your faithfulness, you encourage us all to be faithful.”
Photos and video by Julio Eduardo Herrera
