It is Sunday, July 26, the actual date of the feast of St Joachim and St Anne in 2009. The St Charles Church in Tunapuna has not accommodated so many men in a long time, as are present at the 7.30 a.m. Mass. Parish Priest Fr Reginald Hezekiah thanks God for the sacrament of marriage and the large numbers of the parish that have been blessed by it.

The atmosphere is solemn when he has roughly 70 couples circle the altar and sing together “Wherever you go I’ll go... Your people shall be my people too” and absolutely joyous after he has them forgive past hurts and renew their pledges of love.

After Mass, all the married couples proceeded to the Parish Hall where arrangements had been made for the children to be entertained while their parents celebrated. Right down to the tiniest of babies was catered for.

At the entrance to the Hall, Family Life Unit members, Nicole Ashby Remy, Terrence Caesar and Charles Andrews, warmly welcomed couples. Once through the door an amazing sight greeted them. Tables beautifully decorated in green and white, topped with floral arrangements of white chrysanthemums and tiger lilies, drapery everywhere and two breakfast stations which had been provided Dutch style. The assortment of fruits included pineapple chow, which every one obviously enjoyed. Breakfast consisted of staples such as bake, bread and sada roti accompanied by tomato choka, pumpkin, buljol and smoked herring plus sweetbread and cake.

Terrence Caesar welcomed all and thanked God for setting us the example of St Joachim and St Anne, both for marriage and the raising of children like Mary who would say “yes” to God and be obedient. Next came Maria Alexander who spoke about “the candle in every soul”– some brightly burning, some dull – but in every soul finding a home. Young dancers Cyndi Charles and Jesse Ling wowed everyone with their graceful waltz to Open Arms by Journey, awakening memories for many

Louise and Desmond Zamora dispense advice to Jabu and Marsha Mobhair

Fr Reggie then blessed the table and we all enjoyed breakfast after which Barbara Wafe acknowledged the most recently wed couple – just one week – Jabu and Marsha Mobhair and a couple visiting from England, Clyde and Camille Garsee. Both couples were presented with tokens. She followed this up with a “Spouse Quiz” in which wives were privately asked a question which was publicly directed to their spouses. Of the six participating couples not a single one differed in answer to questions such as “Where was the first kiss shared, The first restaurant visited, husbands’ favourite dish, couple’s favourite liming place, husband’s pet name for wife and wife’s favourite colour.” It was really mind-boggling but exhilarating.

At this point it was established that Desmond and Louise Zamora, married for 44 years, was the longest married couple present. They were called upon to share tips with Jabu and Marsha as well as the audience. They shared that marriage must be respected for the sacrament that it is and Jesus must be present at all times. Louise was asked privately how many times they had quarrelled during their marriage and when asked publicly, Desmond concurred: “Just about five times, because we practice compromise.” Louise and Desmond were presented with a cake.

Throughout the programme, Maria Alexander entertained the gathering with songs and even gave a hilarious comparison between chicken and chips and Jesus in a marriage. Fr Reggie joined in the jokes and laughter that ensued before introducing Emerson Remy who together with his wife Nicole, run both the Family Life Unit and the Couples for Christ programme in the parish. Emerson grasped the opportunity to enlighten those present on both ministries and to encourage others to become active members.

Father blessed us after a morning well spent and sent us on our way.

- Vera Allen, Communications, St Charles.