“ The marriage of our spirits here has caused Him to remain, for wherever two or more of you are gathered in his name, there is love, there is love .”

Fr Nathasingh blesses Carl and Cynthia Chang

My husband died nine years ago and with God's help, I've been able to provide good secondary and tertiary education for all of our children.

Nevertheless I usually attend celebrations for married couples with mixed emotions. This year was different. We were also celebrating the Golden Jubilee of St Anthony's and our parish priest, Fr Trevor Nathasingh, set the pace.

“Today the entire universal Church celebrates with great joy the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, as we honour all of our brothers and sisters, who are living in the sacred bond of sacramental marriage.

As Church, we believe that marriage is a God-given vocation, in which and through which, those who are married are called to witness by the power of their lives and their caring for each other, the saving love of our heavenly Father.

Our God has come close to us in Jesus Christ. He is the first ‘Sacrament' i.e. sacred sign. You through your marital journey, are asked daily to show the world, God's love through your lives. Thank you for being here and please let us worship, fellowship and celebrate.”

And what a celebration it was! All parishioners and visitors felt welcomed. Couples of the parish and former parishioners were given candles and corsages, after which, they were escorted by the youth. Mr & Mrs Dean Clarke proclaimed the First Reading.

Last couple to be married before feast, Mr and Mrs Danraj Biswah.

The homily compared the marital union with the intimacy of Christ and the Church.

Afterwards the lights of the church were turned off and all the couples lit their candles and renewed their marriage vows.

Then they processed to the altar and were blessed by Fr Nathasingh.

A token of appreciation was given to Leonora Blackman of Gonzales. She and Mr Blackman, of happy memory, were the first couple to be married in St Anthony's. The second couple Mr & Mrs Steve Donald, also received an award. The last couple to be married before the feast was Mr & Mrs Danraj Biswah. They were also presented with a token.

Proceedings were concluded by a festive jubilee meal in the Canon Mc Namara Memorial Hall. We left with the aura of the sentiments of the Marriage Prayer that graced the atmosphere of the day.

“ Lord help us to remember when we first met, and the strong love that grew between us; to work that love into practical things so that nothing can divide us. We ask for words both kind and loving hearts always ready to ask forgiveness as well as to forgive. Dear Lord, we put our marriages into your hands. Amen. ”