To arrive at a 60 th birthday is something worth talking about, but when two people manage to achieve 60 years of marriage, well; that is something to rave about.

Bernard and Theresa John Baptiste (IN PHOTO ON THEIR WEDDING DAY) have been blessed tremendously. Partners for 60 years, God has blessed them with each other, seven children (seven C's) Clarence, Carol, Clarissa, Carlyle, Catherine, Christine and Charles and numerous grandchildren.

Many things have changed in their lives, but one thing has remained consistent, their service to God and Church.Theresa is still an active Eucharistic Minister and reader. Both Bernard and Theresa have been very active choir members.

For the fifteen years that Ben was choir leader he managed to convince all but one of his children to become choir members. People jokingly remember referring to them as the Baptiste Family Church Choir plus some.

When you sit with this couple you could feel their friendship with themselves and others. You would be amazed that Ben, a tailor by trade, still takes in work (for long-standing customers) and does it competently. With a chuckle he says, "I could see to thread a needle you know."

Bernard and Therese John Baptiste with their seven children

Ten years ago the couple received a papal blessing and a letter of congratulations from then President Noor Hassanali to mark their golden jubilee. On this their diamond anniversary Fr Kevin de Loughry thanked them on behalf of the church community for maintaining the ideal of two citizens of Trinidad and Tobago , for their faithfulness and for continuously working justly and honestly.

Bernard and Theresa were married on April 29, 1945, he at age 24 she at 22. The occasion celebrated Theresa's birthday and years later the birth of their daughter Catherine increased the joy of that day, on the feast of St Catherine of Siena.

The success of a marriage is measured not only in time but also in the love, respect and achievement of offspring. As the children celebrated their parents' lives with little anecdotes you could feel the family bond over the years and the quiet wisdom of a mother ("Mom was always the steadying influence in the home. She always knew what to do.").

This was eventually rounded off by Bernard's sister Rosalie in her story describing a sickly brother who was always very demanding and their mother's words, "I hope you get a lady with plenty patience."

Happy 60 th anniversary Ben and Theresa. Well done!