FRESH MEADOWS — Henry and Mary Macchiaroli have been married for 47 years, and credit their enduring union to a strong faith foundation.
“Faith is what has kept us going all these years,” Mary said.
“We’re very connected to the Church, and we know that everything is possible with God,” Henry said. “We are very faith-filled.”
On Sept. 27, the Macchiarolis were one of 38 couples at Holy Family Church in Fresh Meadows for the annual Diocese of Brooklyn Wedding Anniversary Mass, which Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Paul Sanchez celebrated.
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Kathleen and Ramon Fernando Guillermo Vidal, who celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary last week, said they chose to renew their vows to reaffirm their commitment to one another and to keep their faith at the heart of their marriage.
“Our faith in God is our strength in the relationship and marriage,” Ramon said.
Standing beside him, Kathleen nodded in agreement, her eyes welling with tears.
“Because we put God at the center of our marriage — that is what makes our marriage last longer,” Kathleen said.
The Mass was concelebrated by Father Sean Suckiel, pastor of Holy Famliy, and Father Joseph Gibino, the diocese’s vicar for evangelization and catechesis.
Bishop Sanchez has celebrated four wedding anniversary Masses for the diocese. He said each of the Masses is an opportunity for the diocese to recognize the couples celebrating their marriage and thank them for their witness to the faith.
“We pray that they continue to support one another and be a good example to their children, and to other people around them,” Bishop Sanchez said. “Marriage is the bedrock of our society and family life.”
Father Suckiel said part of what inspired him to choose his vocation was the “witness of love” between his parents. He said he was happy to participate in the annual Diocese of Brooklyn Wedding Anniversary Mass.
“That’s the love that I want to bring into my own ministry as a priest, and just to be there and host this wedding anniversary is a great joy for the parish of Holy Family and for me as the pastor,” Father Suckiel said.
Appropriate subject matter.
Faith based marriage is a pillar of a civil society.