History was made at Regina Pacis Church this summer when the Bensonhurst parish celebrated its first group wedding ceremony. Seven Spanish-speaking couples who had been married civilly in their home countries, but never received the sacrament of marriage, were joined together in holy matrimony. Father Nicholas Apollonio, parochial vicar, officiated over the exchange of vows.

There had been different reasons why the couples never married in the Church before, but the parish succeeded in removing those obstacles, allowing them to receive the sacrament.

Hispanic groups in the parish prepared the ceremony with Father Apollonio and a reception for the couples  and their families in the gym. Volunteers  arranged for flowers, food and beverages, music for dancing – all as a gift from the parish to these seven couples.

(Photos courtesy of Regina Pacis Church)