(Catholic Herald photo/Joe Ptak)
MADISON — Each year, Bishop Robert C. Morlino celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving for all married couples in the Diocese of Madison who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
This is a special time to publicly recognize the Sacrament of Matrimony lived out faithfully.
The 2011 50th wedding anniversary Mass and reception were held on Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison. Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Morlino were Frs. Michael Radowicz, David Runde, and Cy Weisensel.
About 70 couples attended this year’s event. Bishop Morlino’s homily reminded the attending couples of the importance of marriage within society and how critical their witness is to a loving and lifelong commitment to the world around them.
Each of the couples received a certificate of congratulations from the bishop.
Volunteers from the diocesan Marriage Preparation Program and Worldwide Marriage Encounter assisted with the day, which was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
Mass was followed by a cake, coffee, and punch reception.