On Saturday, April 21, Reynold and Vilma Bethelmy celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. The celebration, which began with Holy Mass at St Charles RC Church, Tunapuna, was arranged and supervised by their children.

Reynold and Vilma Bethelmy (centre) surrounded by their family

Msgr Esau Joseph, parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima, presided at the Mass, attended by their five children, three of whom reside in the United States, along with two grandchildren, daughters-in-law, many family members, relatives and friends.

The couple renewed their marriage vows, exchanged rings and were also presented with a Papal Blessing.

The choir led by Marlene Graves sang beautifully with Ayanna Gabriel giving a very touching rendition of the Ave Maria. Holy Mass ended with the hymn O Happy Day led by the couple’s five children, spouses and grandchildren - Richard, Caron, Roger, Robert, Ronald, Joan, Kadia, Christina and Seth.

The celebration then moved to the Garden Sanctuary of the Centre of Excellence, Macoya for the reception. Chaired by Anthony Loney, master of ceremonies, after family and friends expressed their sentiments, the five children and the two grandchildren took over expressing their sentiments to their parents, relatives and friends.

Dinner and dancing followed as well as meeting and greeting relatives and friends the “Golden couple” had not see for a while.

Reynold and Vilma thank God for his blessings in their lives and that of their children. The Bethelmys were involved in the Marriage Preparation programme in the Suburban Vicariate for some 32 years, since the days of Fr Michael O’Laughlin.