Special recognition was given to couples celebrating 25th and 50th anniversaries at the diocesan Wedding Anniversary Celebration at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarizo was the main celebrant as he blessed the couples and took pictures with them. People from all over the diocese were there to celebrate and renew wedding vows in English, Spanish, Italian, Polish and Creole.

“It is not easy to love someone perfectly. We must always be working at our relationships,” Bishop DiMarzio told the couples.

“Love is to forgive. We must be ready and willing to forgive. Marriage can be difficult. We all know this but it is the relationship we should always be working on.

“There is a book that was made into a movie called “Love Story” and it had a very famous line: ‘Love means never having to say you’re sorry.’ All of us here know that is impossible. Love means having to say you are sorry over and over again. It is impossible for two people to spend their lives together and not hurt one another. After all, the people we love the most are the ones who can hurt us the most.

“Which is why forgiveness is key and at the heart of all good marriages. The grace of God gives you strength to forgive and always love the one you have pledged your life to.”

Deacon Steve Borheck of Our Lady of the Snows parish, North Floral Park, assisted the Bishop during Mass. He attended with Antonina, his wife of 25 years.

“This August is our 25th anniversary and it is all about being with the right person and living the faith,” he said.

His wife added, “It’s communication, communication, and communication but also enjoying one another and the relationship that holds a marriage together.”

Lisa and William Murphy of Good Shepherd, Marine Park, were also

celebrating 25 years of marriage.

“It’s great to go back and remember what we said so many years ago,” said William. “It’s great to recharge our

marriage because sometimes you forget the vows you made.”

Lisa added, “Bishop DiMarizo hit it right on the head when he said it is all about forgiveness and always communicating with your partner.”

Hector and Aurea Bactazar of Our Lady of Lourdes, Queens Village, also were celebrating their silver anniversary.

“This is wonderful. We can remember where we started, but also can look forward to the next stage of our lives,” said Aurea. She added that there is no secret to a

successful marriage.

“It is a commitment to one another and renewing your love everyday and

asking God for guidance,” she explained.