“Seek God's help to live your marriage vows and to be obedient to Him and His laws,” is the sound advice sent to young married couples from Julian and Octavia de Silva, who celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday, April 28 with a thanksgiving Mass at their home in Sam Boucaud, Santa Cruz.

Octavia and Julien de Silva with their papal blessing.

The diamond jubilarians, affectionately called “Uncle” and “Auntie” by their charismatic confrères, were married at the St John the Baptist RC Church, San Juan on April 28, 1945. Julien was then 26 and Octavia (“Leecy”) 16. Theirs was love at first sight. The thanksgiving Mass was offered by parish priest, Fr Benedict Hilaire in the presence of the jubilarians, the children and grandchildren of their only child, Margaret Lawrence (deceased) charismatic guests, relatives, friends and neighbours.

Julien and Octavia were presented with the papal blessing of the late John Paul II. The parish priest praised their fidelity to Sunday Mass and Eucharistic participation from which they received the grace to deepen their conjugal love by the Eucharist they received together. He thanked Julien for his contribution to the Church and the community.

Theirs is a glowing testimony to the saying “God operates as we co-operate. Congratulations on their eligibility for “ the wedding feast of the Lamb ” (Rev 19:7,9). God rewards those who diligently seek Him (cf Heb 11:6).