GARY – “Long may the Lord live in your lives that you may live as husband and wife,” Bishop Robert J. McClory said in blessing more than 75 couples celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries at the 42nd annual Anniversary Mass hosted by the Diocese of Gary on May 18 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels.
Offering a tribute to families in his homily, the bishop reflected on the happy and faith-filled partnership of his own late parents, Jim and Ann McClory, as well as mentioning new Pope Leo XIV’s reference to the role of his family in his faith formation.
As a young priest, recalled Bishop McClory, “I remember Sunday afternoon visits to my parents’ home … I could hear them talking (about everyday things) in a beautiful, loving, happy, healthy and holy family life. Seeing how my parents loved each other was the greatest gift they gave me … that’s the gift God gives us today.”
“We are more comfortable to be here at the cathedral, which we feel is sacred, for this occasion,” said Joe Janusonis, of Munster and St. Thomas More parish, celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Carole Janusonis, who agreed that the cathedral offered a special atmosphere.
“It’s wonderful that the Diocese of Gary offers this opportunity to celebrate this wonderful vocation, and I’m very grateful,” she said.
Both Joe and Carole Janusonis offered advice for young couples who want to reach their tenure. “Take your marriage vows very seriously and always marry in the Church of your faith,” said Carole Janusonis. “There’s a covenant (when you marry) before God, and it helps you stay together. Know that God will help you through tough times. Be kind to each other.”
Joe Janusonis urged young couples to “stick with the program, because (marriage has) got a lot of benefits. Life is more wonderful when you can share it with another person.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Matt and Briana Lamb of Dyer, who attend the Latin Mass at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Merrillville, brought along their children, Raymond, three years old, and Charlie, one year old, to mark the couple’s fifth wedding anniversary.
“It is our first time at this Mass and it is very special to get a blessing from the bishop,” said Briana Lamb. “I always want prayers and graces for my marriage.”
Matt Lamb said he follows the adage to “never speak poorly about your spouse” and tries his best to “lead the family. Both spouses should work together for the glorification of God.”
In offering Mass intentions, Deacon Gilbert Sanchez of St. Patrick in Chesterton called upon God to keep the celebrating couples “close to Christ, the source of their unity.”
Memories made the Anniversary Mass special for some celebrants, including Jim and Linda Middleton of Michigan City, parishioners at Queen of All Saints. “We both cried at our wedding 50 years ago,” recalled Linda, while Jim smiled and said he didn’t remember that detail.
“You have to be forgiving,” Jim Middleton offered as advice to newlyweds, while Linda Middleton suggested a need for “patience and understanding. Offer the tough times up to the Lord and then don’t worry.”
Robert and Janie Walla, Hobart residents and parishioners at St. Mary in Crown Point, enjoyed front row seats as they celebrated 50 years of marriage. “My late parents, Deacon George and Jane Modrak, renewed their vows 19 years ago on their 50th anniversary,” recalled Janine Walla
Alejandro and Maria Corazon Manahan, of Schererville and St. Michael the Archangel, enjoyed the Anniversary Mass at the same cathedral “where we were married here 55 years ago, on May 16, 1970,” said the bride.
“We lived just across the street,” added Alejandro Corazon Manahan, “and we worked (just down the street) at St. Mary Hospital.”
Griffith residents Joe and Phyllis Reyes, parishioners at St. Mary in Griffith, made a new memory by taking a photo with Bishop McClory after the Anniversary Mass. “She is my everything, and my best friend, and I keep believing that even after 50 years,” said Joe Reyes. “I still remember the great celebration of our marriage we had at St. Stanislaus in East Chicago.”
Phyllis Reyes said she has strengthened her marriage by “saying a prayer for patience every day,” and looks ahead to “living a long life together and visiting with our family, especially our six grandchildren”
Offering a special blessing for the honored couples before hosting a lunch reception, Bishop McClory said: “As you love each other, that’s an image of God’s love for us … Long may the Lord live in your lives, that you may live as husband and wife.”
Caption: Fifty-five years after they were married on May 16, 1970 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, Alejandro and Maria Corazon Manahan returned on May 18 for the annual Anniversary Mass hosted by the Diocese of Gary. As newlyweds, “we lived just across the street from the cathedral,” said the bride, “and worked at St. Mary Hospital down the street,” added the groom. The couple now lives in Schererville and attends St. Michael. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
