PROVIDENCE — On Sunday, Sept. 22, the Diocese of Providence held the annual Wedding Anniversary celebration, welcoming 187 couples marking milestone anniversaries from parishes across Rhode Island.
Archbishop Richard G. Henning celebrated the Mass in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul for those celebrating 70+, 60, 50, 40 and 25 years together, offering a special blessing as couples renewed their wedding vows.
“Today is a very happy occasion and day of celebration,” said Archbishop Henning. “We give thanks to God for the gift of your faithful marriage over so many years. We celebrate various milestones in your lives as married couples, but also in the lives of families, friends and communities who are themselves blessed by the love.”
One special couple, Mr. and Mrs. Hugo and Serafina DeAscentis, of Jesus Saviour Church in Newport, were celebrating their 77 years of marriage. They also presented the gifts during Mass.
“We trust in God every day,” said Serafina, who recalled the beautiful day in 1947 when they wed. The two met in high school and following graduation, shared a special dance, kicking off a decade’s long love story, with their shared Catholic faith as a foundation.
Speaking to the longevity of their relationship, Hugo credits the support of “excellent friends, loving relatives and of course, our Lord.”
Timothy DelGiudice took his wife Mary-Elizabeth’s hand as they renewed their vows during Mass. The parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Church in Providence shared that it’s important to be honest and nurture your relationship each day.
“It’s great to reflect on the 25 years of joy and some obstacles,” said Mary-Elizabeth. “We did it and we are so thankful to be here.”
Archbishop Henning told those gathered that the sacrament of marriage is an expression of love that imitates the sacrifice of God’s love for his people.
“We pray that that enduring love continues to flourish and overflow from you into the lives of your children and families, the Christian community and beyond. Thank you for that gift.”
