Anniversary Blessings
‘What a blessing you are together’ Couples celebrating one, 25, 50 and more years married hold each other’s hands while renewing their vows in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Pictured front, center, are Deacon Donald and Barbara Miller, married 70 years. The Oct. 6 Bishop’s Anniversary Blessings Mass filled the entire worship space. Jeff Bruno photo
Bishop blesses anniversary couples with prayers for never-ending love, faith BY EMMALEE ITALIA, Contributing Editor, and LOIS ROGERS, Correspondent
C
harles Nixon smiled as he considered what he would tell couples who are preparing for marriage. “I wouldn’t want to give anyone any advice,” the 99-year-old said. “Just love one another.” Nixon and his wife, Mary, who have been married 73 years, were among the 310 married couples to gather with loved ones in October for Anniversary Blessings Masses celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. The Nixons, parishioners of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, have attended the annual Mass many times. “It’s very special to us,” Mary Nixon said.
BLESSINGS ABOUND In his homilies delivered Oct. 6 in Freehold and Oct. 20 in St. Mary of the
Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Bishop O’Connell spoke sincerely to couples celebrating one, 25, 50 or more years of marriage from across the Diocese’s four counties. “Every once in a while we might find ourselves getting a bit nostalgic. Today is one of those days,” the Bishop said. “Think back on your wedding day – what comes to mind? … Details from a single day lose their importance, and their memories do start to fade – but what matters is that you’re still here, that you’re still together, that you’re still very much in love. What a blessing you have together. What a blessing you are together.” Those words weren’t lost on Vito and Maryann Truglio of St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell. Celebrating their 55th anniversary, the couple was accompanied by two
26 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE November 2019
Jorge and Sandra Fuentes, parishioners of St. Paul, Princeton, served as readers Oct. 20 as they celebrated their first anniversary in the Church with Mass in the Cathedral. Vic Mistretta photo
of their four daughters, Beth and Mary, their husbands and two grandchildren. All traveled from Florida to witness the couple’s commitment of love at the Mass in Trenton. Maryann Truglio said the Mass served as a witness to younger generations. “It
Anniversary Blessings Deacon Joseph A. and Ann Hannawacker of Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, present the gifts to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., at the Oct. 20 Anniversary Blessings Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. The couple have been married 60 years. Vic
A Shepherd’s Blessing Following are brief excerpts from the homilies that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C. M., preached at the Anniversary Blessing Masses on Oct. 6 and Oct. 20.
Mistretta photo
encourages our children and grandchildren to see how many people are married this long.” She explained that the couple had been active in Pre-Cana and Marriage Encounter, which “taught us that you need to work at your marriage, that a successful marriage doesn’t just happen.” “You have to take time to create memories,” she said, adding that the Mass did just that. “The kids were in awe.” BONDED IN FAITH With family and friends serving as emotional, sometimes teary-eyed witnesses, couples at both Masses stood to renew their wedding vows and share a kiss. Bishop O’Connell offered his blessing to each of the groups of couples in turn – first, 25 and 50 or more years of marriage. The latter received a joyful round of applause as they stood, representing nearly half of both congregations. To the couples celebrating their first year of marriage, the Bishop asked God to help them to “be an example of faith to their family and friends.” For those celebrating 25 years, “Lord, strengthen their bond of peace, so that
surrounded by children and friends, they may always rejoice in the gifts of the Sacrament of Matrimony.” And to those marking half a century or more, “They have prayed to you in good times and in times of sorrow … Lord, bless them in this time of Thanksgiving; may their children and grandchildren and families be a constant source of blessing to them.” Fiftieth anniversary couples Gerard and Maryann Cole, and Anthony and Joanne Godino, both from St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, were humbled by those blessings of support, pleased by the turnout at the Co-Cathedral. “It’s amazing how many people were here today,” Maryann Cole said. “We’re not alone! And 50 years – where did it go? It was like it was yesterday.” Joanne Godino agreed, saying, “I can’t believe how many 50th [anniversaries] and over were here – the church was packed! That shows you that nowadays, people go through trials and tribulations, but they stick it out. You just stay with it, and it’s great to see.” The Mass was a time of inspiration Continued on 34
Mary and Charles Nixon share a kiss after renewing their vows during the Mass in the Co-Cathedral. The longtime Co-Cathedral parishioners have been married 73 years. “I knew [Charles] before, but we met coming out of church on Holy Thursday – and he said, ‘Can I come along with you?’ And we’ve been together ever since, ” Mary Nixon said. Jeff Bruno photo
Think back on your wedding day. What comes to mind? What matters is that you are still here, still together, still in love. What a blessing your life has been, together! What a blessing you have, together! What a blessing you are, together! What a blessing you still seek, together! As Christians and Catholics, faith is never really far from our thoughts and experience. A couple does not begin marriage with perfect love. The couples grows in loving and grows by loving. Love is hard work. Jesus has commanded you to love as he has loved. How did Jesus love? He loved until it cost him. He loved all the way to the cross and death. That is love. There are many ideas of marriage in the world today, but your married life has been a sacrament you received in the Lord, joined together for many years in the Lord. And you turn to Christ to sustain your love for each other because Christ has blessed your marriage and we renew his blessing as we celebrate your wedding anniversary.
November 2019 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 27
Anniversary Blessings
Celebrating Couples Married...
1 year • 25 years • 50+ years
The couples who took part in one of the Bishop’s Anniversary Blessings are listed here, by county and parish:
Burlington County Corpus Christi, Willingboro • Xavier & Trina Idrovo, 25; Franklin & Victoria Warner, 50; John Joseph & Gaytana Balestrieri, 55 Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Beverly • Joseph & JoAnn DiNoia, 50; James & Virginia McKendrick, 50 Mary, Mother of the Church, Bordentown • William & Catherine Walters, 25; Samuel & Susan Ardoin, 50; Arthur & Enid Martin, 50; Philip & Carleen Michaels, 50; David & Iliana Okum, 50; Paul & BettyAnn Castonguay, 60 Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown • James & Gail Dignam, 25; Peter & Mary Beth Scarpati, 25; Robert & Patricia Loesch, 50; Gary & Mary Ann Overbeck, 50; Richard & Regina Petsche, 50; John & Maureen Sherry, 50; William & Terry Wiebalck, 50 Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade • James & Rosina Anthony, 50; James & Donna Fleming, 50; John & Bernadette
Sosinavage, 50; James & Carol Fischer, 57 Our Lady Queen of Peace, Hainesport • Mark & Rose Messa, 25; John & Elaine Miller, 50; Ronald & Judith Napoli, 50 Resurrection, Delran • Joseph & Kathleen Marchese, 50, Francis & Mariruth Tagye, 50 Sacred Heart, Mount Holly • Bernard & Kathleen Wojtkowiak, 1; Elliot & Marie-Claire Correa, 25, Richard & Pauline Pietrow, 50 Sacred Heart, Riverton • Phillip & Deborah Tirjan, 25; Robert & Janis Rayca, 50 St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson • Devin & Sarah Rossi, 1; John & Eileen Conville, 25; Thaddeus & Cynthia Kruszewski, 50; Sebastiano & RoseMarie Salvo, 50; Louis & Margaret Mary Tedesco, 50 St. Isaac Jogues, Marlton • Richard & Amanda Boffo, 1; Robert & Marla Sullivan, 50
Bishop David M O’Connell, C.M., with priests of the Diocese, celebrates the Anniversary Blessings Mass Oct. 6 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Jeff Bruno photo
St. Joan of Arc, Marlton • Charles & Roberta Calabria, 50; Peter & Claudia Scarpati, 50; Eugene & Elizabeth Schaeffer, 51; Joseph & Elizabeth Wasik, 51; John & Michelina Marczely, 60 St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel • Joseph & Catherine Barbara, 50 St. Katharine Drexel, Burlington • Charles & Jacqueline Faruolo, 1; Jonnie & Gina Kinchen, 25; Charles & Nicole Levach, 25; Bryan & Stacie Wible, 25; Ken & Susan Troise, 26; Joseph & Loretta Abate, 50; Raymond & Regina Horchuck, 50; Jack & Jane Rodeschin, 51 St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford • Salvatore & Margaret Benigno, 60; Edward & Peggy Weaver, 65
Mercer County Incarnation- St. James, Ewing • Alan & Marion Crum, 50; Joseph & Ann Hannawacker, 60; Thomas & Angela Rivella, 60
Laura J. Kavalek and John J. Peruggia, Jr., members of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, were married by Bishop O’Connell one year ago. They participated as gift bearers during the Oct. 20 Bishop’s Anniversary Blessings Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Vic Mistretta photo
28 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE November 2019
Anniversary Blessings Our Lady of the Angels, Trenton • Sergio & Janneth Naranjo, 1; José Sanchez & María Hernandez de Sanchez, 25; Peter & Margaret Gresko, 50
St. Paul Parish, Princeton • Jorge & Sandra Fuentes, 1; Victor & Michele LoBiondo, 25 St. Raphael-Holy Angels, Hamilton • John & Anna Maria Dzbenski, 50; Gerald & Joanne Sanverdine, 50; Thomas & Maryann Wilson, 50
Our Lady of Good Counsel, West Trenton • Alfred & Liliana Dillione, 1; Dennis & Laurie Helstrom, 25 Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony, Hamilton • Edmund & Deirdre DeRossett, 50; Kevin & Barbara Dohrenwend, 50; Guy & Beverly Verde, 50; Richard & Joanne Lisiewski, 53
Monmouth County Celebrating 25 years of marriage, William and Olga Ortiz, members of St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt, present the gifts during the Oct. 6 Mass. Jeff Bruno photo
Sacred Heart, Trenton • Richard & Saundra West, 53 St. Ann, Lawrenceville • Michael & Mary Cleary, 50; Ronald & Sonia Kraemer, 60 St. Alphonsus, Hopewell • Vito & Maryann Truglio, 55 St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown • Charles & Liz Franco, 1; Thomas & Barbara McGeachen, 50; Vicente & Carmen Urgiles, 50; Efrain & Judith Cortez, 56 St. George, Titusville • Mark & Kathleen Pisauro, 50 St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square • John J. Peruggia, Jr. & Laura J. Kavalek, 1; Joseph & Brooke Pratico, 1; Fred & Stacy Bitonti, 25; Charles & Margaret Montplaisir, 25; Richard & Linda Pieslak, 25; Michael & Cecilia Gallucci, 50; John & Betty Gallant, 62 St. James, Pennington • Edward & Angeline Martin, 52; James Thomas Goodwin & Laura Jeanne Chalk, 55; Henry & Joann Sufnar, 55; Joseph & Mary DeSantis, 65; Sebastian & Gloria Panebianco, 65 St. Joseph, Trenton • Pedro Chan & Maria Pelechu, 1; Victor Cruz & Teresa Aparicio, 1; Vicente Irizarry & Isabel Bermudez, 1; Elmer Pineda & Lidia Vega, 1; Victor Rafael & Reyna Del Cid, 1; Enercido Valerio & Pura Ramos, 1 St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton • Ericksson Amezquita & Zendy De Leon, 1
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Christ the King, Long Branch • Virginia & Richard Liszanckie, 50; Vincent Patrick & Daisy Mary
Duarte Ricciardi, 50 Holy Cross, Rumson • John & Mary Cavalieri, 62; George & Elizabeth DeRose, 50; John & Frida McLaughlin, 59 Holy Family, Union Beach • Craig & Victoria Abrams, 25; Ignacio & Amelia Dionisio, 50; Mario & Irma Gomez, 60; Erick & Susan Meyer, 25 Holy Innocents, Neptune • James & Patricia Monroe, 50; Karl & Christina Schuetz, 51
Continued on 30
We offer our warmest
congratulations and God’s blessings to all the couples, celebrating their special milestone Wedding anniversaries in 2019! From all of us here at A.B. Carpet. Walt & Chris Ganz A.B. Carpet 1600 Perrineville Road Monroe Township, NJ 08831 (609) 395-5588 www.abcarpetnj.com November 2019 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 29
Anniversary Blessings
Father Stanley P. Lukaszewski, episcopal vicar for Ocean County and pastor of St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, bestows a blessing on parishioners Brian and Denise Pulos Papiernik following the Mass in Freehold. Jeff Bruno photo
Celebrating Couples Married...
1 year • 25 years • 50+ years
Continued from 29
Nativity, Fair Haven • Albert & Kathleen Doty, 50; Paul & Ellen Prozeller, 50 Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes, Atlantic Highlands • Anthony & Carol Alleva, 52 St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank • Wm. Leo & Martha Christofili, 50 St. Benedict, Holmdel • Frank & Eileen Cannarozzo, 25; Joseph & Courtney Emm, 1; James & Mary Granito, 25; Gerad & Louella Holtz, 25; Philip & Cathy Limeri, 25; Paul & Ellen Remick, 25; Joel & Patricia Liptzin, 50; Rolando & Maria Elena Mendoza, 50; Paul & Judith Switaj, 50; Anthony & Carol Taglieri, 50; Paul & Joan Kissel, 55 St. Catharine, Holmdel • Glenn & Karen Cashion, 50; Patrick & Alberta Marino, 50 St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake • Todd & Kimberly Bennett, 25; Richard & Regina Harold, 25; Joseph & Maureen Liddy, 25; Richard & Nancy Smith, 25; Joseph & Dianne Iorio, 50; Frank & Betsy Ryan, 50
St. Denis, Manasquan • Charles & Lorraine Bauer, 50; Roland & Cynthia LaCorte, 60 St. Dorothea, Eatontown • Robert & Diane Dunigan, 25; Richard & Mary Ann Szenzenstein, 53 St. Gabriel, Marlboro • Alex & Maria Maranon, 25; Anthony & Marion Dellatacoma, 50; Francis & Marian Gracon, 55; Timothy & Barbara Loftus, 60 St. James, Red Bank • Stephen & Agata Specht, 1; Nicholas & Gerarda Barbato, 50; Robert & Bonnelyn Talerico, 50; Dominic & Marie Trocchia, 70 St. John the Baptist, Allentown • Edward & Stephanie Tranosky, 25; Milton & Adelaide Zayas, 61 St. Joseph, Millstone Twp • Kapyoon Paul Kwon & Sunhee Lucia Kim, 50; Rosario & Ann Roccaro, 59 St. Leo the Great, Lincroft • Richard & Janice Campbell, 50; John & Anne Deus, 50; Douglas & Regina Walsh, 25
St. Catherine, Middletown • Eugene & Earline Cutolo, 56
St. Mark, Sea Girt • Ivan & Diana Nieves, 1; Jorge & Trinidad Villanueva, 1; Willian & Olga Ortiz, 25; John & Trudy Burke, 50; James & Marianne Sheridan, 50
St. Catherine of Siena, Farmingdale • Ernie & Anna Andrade, 25; Richard & Joyce Sowpel, 50
St. Mary, Colts Neck • Harry & Nancy Bauer, 50; Angelo & Marsha Grigoli, 50; Alois & Heidi Lohn, 61
St. Clement, Matawan • Brock & Lena Hor, 50; Raymond & Mary Reilly, 50
St. Mary, Middletown • Douglas & Jessica Marino, 1; Richard & Diana West, 52
30 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE November 2019
Anniversary Blessings St. Michael, West End • Thomas & Christine Marie Conlon, 25; Anthony & Elizabeth Tanzi, 25; John & Michelle Bixby, 50; Daniel & Mary Ann Griesbach, 50; William & Helen Komazec, 51; Alfred & Marilyn Thorne, 63
Margaret Cheselka, 60 St. Dominic, Brick • John & Elizabeth Reddington, 25; Patrick & Jacquelyn Cassidy, 50; Ralph & Anita LaConte, 50; Joseph & Mary Chervenyak, 61
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting St. Robert Bellarmine Co• Vincent & Marie Tatesure, 50; Cathedral, Freehold • Sway Richard & Kathleen Eyerman, 56; & Denielle Avila, 1; Austin & Deacon Donald & Barbara Miller, Kate Payne, 1; Jacob Marini Trina and Xavier Idrovo, parishioners of Corpus Christi, Willingboro, 70; John & Maureen Oppenheimer, & Liliana Soto-Fernandez, 1; celebrate their 25th anniversary at the Mass in Trenton’s Cathedral. Vic 50 Michael & Estela LaCap, 25; John Mistretta photo St. John, Lakehurst • Ronald & & Pierina Pantano, 25; John & Kathleen Crowley, 50; Jeffrey & Maria Jable, 53 Maria Belbol, 50; Harvey & Anita Hacker, 50; Robert & Angela Kaplan, 50; Louis & Carolyn Malinowski, 50; Robert & Paulette St. Joseph, Toms River • Robert & Eileen Barnes, 50 Putman, 50; Stephen & Janet Smith, 50; Alberto & Corazon St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River • Charles & Taryn Burke, 1; Velez, 50; Pasquale & Elizabeth Sabino, 52; Michael & BarbaraWilliam & Patricia Anderson, 50; Robert & Kathleen Cerbone, Ann DeLouise, 54; Monty & Trudy Matrisciani, 55; Nicholas 50; Donald & Patricia Eberhardt, 50; Edward & Bridget & Alba Spinelli, 55; Vito & Cabrina Lubrano, 56; Richard & Gerlacki, 50 Eileen Fontana, 57; Eugene & Clara Mercer, 59; Robert & Alice St. Luke, Toms River • William & Denise Robert Schaff, 25; Jim Straut, 59; Philip & Jean Della Torre, 60; Joseph &Anne Feola, & Barbara Cannon, 50; John & Rose Ann Ford, 50; Joseph & 60; Frank & Caroline Giordano, 60; Casper & Nancy Molee, 60; Marilyn Luccarelli, 50; James & Anne Ray, 50; Ron & Marilyn Salvatore & Joan Morreale, 60; Michael & Barbara Sullivan, 60; Russell, 50; Jerry & Barbara Santangelo, 50 Harold & Bernadette Klumbach, 61; Charles & Mary Nixon, 73 St. Rose, Belmar • Alan & Stephanie Gaines, 1; William & Bernadette Hill, 50 St. Rose of Lima, Freehold • Domingo & Alejandra Zamudio Lopez Gomez, 1; Luis & Anakaren Peralta, 1; Bruce & Lisa Keehn, 25; Alejandro Ortiz & Margarita Cervantes, 25; John & Christine Krenitsky, 50; James & June Mancini, 56; Nicholas & Connie Spinelli, 60; Joseph & Marilyn LaBarbera, 61 St. Thomas More, Manalapan • Gerard & Mary Ann Cole, 50; Anthony & Joanne Godino, 50; Michael & Pamela Lebednik, 51; John & Katheryn Toth, 50 St. Veronica Church, Howell • Walter & Linda Clayton, 25; Hubert & Joan Mador, 51; John & Mary Burnetsky, 59; Robert & Kathleen Mennona, 60
Continued on 32
The celebration continues online! Go to TrentonMonitor.com for multimedia coverage of the Bishop’s Anniversary Blessings … Video slideshow of ‘Our Wedding Memories’ Nearly 200 photos for viewing and purchase Digital version of this magazine
Ocean County Epiphany, Brick • Richard & Grace Faruolo, 51; George & Margaret Lamp, 50 Sacred Heart, Bay Head • Jeffrey & Patricia Thompson, 52
St. Barnabas, Bayville • Joseph & Priscilla Finamore, 25 Brian & Denise Papiernik, 25; Richard & Dianne Polhemus, 25; Joseph & Elizabeth Canessa, 50; Kevin & Maureen Hall, 50; George & Susan Steinhauser, 50; Doug & Helen Roswech, 51; Michael &
Jeff Bruno photo
St. Aloysius, Jackson • James & Phyllis Vreeland, 25; John & Rose Marie Iannarone, 50; Richard & Louise Maczka, 50; Marty & Irene Cohen, 51; Robert & Adeline Capaldo, 54; Joseph & Maria Siciliano, 54; Thomas & Doris Brennan, 60; Robert & Gilda Gough, 60; Charles & Nancy Vitello, 60
November 2019 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 31
Anniversary Blessings
Celebrating Couples Married...
1 year • 25 years • 50+ years
Continued from 31
St. Martha, Point Pleasant • Felice & Arleen Frese, 50; Peter & Carolyn Sommers, 50; Stanley & Arleen Tylecki, 50; Anthony & Kathleen DeCresci, 52; Robert & Patricia Burke, 53; John & Annette Richards, 54; Raymond & Lois Zilai, 55 St. Mary, Barnegat • Larry & Nancy Coogan, 1; James & Brenda Mulvihill, 25; Robert & Gloria Bulino, 50; Lucio & Nina Ferro, 50; James & Linda Saladino, 50; Joseph & Joann Lefande, 50 St. Mary of the Lake, Lakewood • Libert & Anna Amato, 50; Thomas Joseph & Joan Marie Lorenc, 50; James Thomas & Mary Patricia McHugh, 50; Patrick & Barbara Gatton, 60; Dolores & Paul Urcinole, 66 St. Maximilian Kolbe, Toms River • Joseph & Theresa Spera, 50; Carl Lennart & Mary Lee Benson, 55; Floyd & Antoinette Murray, 61 St. Monica, Jackson • Frank & Mary Louise Falesto, 50; Frank & Joyce Scellato, 50 St. Peter, Point Pleasant Beach • Henry & Anne Butow, 25 St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette • Nicholas & Sabrina Wujek, 1
St. Pius X, Forked River • John & Anne Brennan, 50; Daniel & Gail Bubenick, 50; Allan & Harriet Cronheim, 50 St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor • Gary & Maureen Gilbert, 1; Patrick & Margaret Madison, 50; John & Frances Marchese, 50; Daniel & Kathleen Noga, 50; Raymond & Irene Wolf, 60; Niklous & Lucille Steiger, 63
Visitation, Brick • Mary & Gerald LeMore, 50; Charles & Susan Walton, 50; Louis & Maria Falcone, 52; Louis & Claire Prudenti, 53; John & Dolores Howard, 60
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32 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE November 2019
Harold and Bernadette Klumbach of St. Robert Bellarmine, Co-Cathedral, Freehold, celebrate 61 years of marriage this year. Their daughter said, “Being able to capture this moment in time is truly a gift from God.” Jeff Bruno photo
Anniversary Blessings
Congratulations & warm wishes to these couples celebrating a special anniversary ...
Bob: Although there have been
many hills, valleys and mountains to climb our faith has kept us strong. Robert & Patricia Loesch
Love, Patsy
We celebrate our 25 with gratitude... th
for our family & friends who have filled us with their love, for Msgr.Valentino for blessing us with the sacrament of marriage & baptizing our children, & for Fr. Padovani for his guidance & faith.
Love, Kim & Todd CONGRATULATIONS
Diane & Robert Dunigan ON YOUR
25 Wedding Anniversary! th
A quarter of a century is but an eye blink in the annals of time, but half a lifetime of sincere love and devotion to each other with God’s blessing.
With love, The Dunigan Family
Congratulations Deacon Joe & Cathy Barbara on your 50th anniversary. God Bless you always!
All our love,
Marty and Irene, Amy and Damon, Janine and Brian, Andrew and Mellissa. Robert & Janis Rayca
Happy 50 th Anniversary!!
Your dedication and love for each other & our family is an inspiration to all of us.
With our love, the kids & grands!!
CONGRATULATIONS
Alan & Marion Crum ON YOUR 50th Wedding Anniversary! Your loving Family and Friends
Congratulations Dianne & Joseph Iorio
on your 50 th Wedding Anniversary. We love you and thank you for your guidance, love and faith.
Your loving Children and Grandchildren On May 31, 1994, the stars aligned in paradise for
Phillip & Debbie Tirjan, and our journey began. On this occasion of our
25 Wedding Anniversary, th
may God continue to bless us and keep us.
Love you to the moon & back.
Congratulations to Kathy & Robert Cerbone on your th 50 wedding anniversary. May you have many more years of blessed happiness together.
Love Brian, Kelly, Ed, Joni, Kaylee, and Miles. Congratulations to
Dominic and Marie Trocchia on their
70 Wedding Anniversary. th
We love you! Donna, Nick, Marlene, all your grandchildren and great grandchildren!!! November 2019 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 33
Anniversary Blessings
Celebrating marriage milestones Continued from 27
for two deacons and their wives from Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, who were marking marriages that together, totaled 120 years. Deacon Joseph A. Hannawacker and his wife, Ann, and Deacon Thomas Rivella and his wife, Angela, were each commemorating 60year unions at the Cathedral Mass. Deacon Hannawacker, who teaches marriage preparation to diocesan deacon candidates, was also moved by the number of couples, especially those married one year. “I think that bodes well for the Church. In marriage preparation classes, I encourage [the candidates] to impress upon young couples that the Church is a part of marriage and a great support.” Jorge Fuentes and his wife, Sandra, of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, can relate. The couple, who served as readers for the Oct. 20 Mass, were celebrating the first anniversary of their wedding. The couple were married in a civil ceremony in 2001 but
Generations of family were on hand to see their loved ones be blessed by priests of the Diocese at the Mass in Freehold. Jeff Bruno photo
felt incomplete. That changed when they had their marriage convalidated last year. “We feel fully blessed. It has made us change, feel more close to God,” Jorge Fuentes said, explaining that over the years, the couple have increased their attendance in Church. Jorge Fuentes has become a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the couple strive to set an example for their three sons. The convalidation, he said, was the last step in the process of coming fully into the life of the Church. He said the couple feel as if they are at the beginning of the rest of their lives. FAITH FOUNDATIONS Among his words of encouragement,
Bishop O’Connell reflected on faith – “faith in God, faith in your spouse, faith in the Church and what it offers in your holy sacrament.” “There are few opportunities for faith as demonstrable as when a husband and wife commit themselves to one another for the whole of life,” he preached. “Did you know at the moment of your consent what the future would hold for you? And, yet, you said yes regardless of what might come your way. That is faith.” Joanne Godino counts daily Mass as a great help to her faith. She said parish life has been a wonderful strengthener for the couple. “Everybody is so supportive. I know when I go to church, I just feel a peace, and you take it home with you, and hopefully spread it to other people. It’s a good feeling.” John Pantano and his wife, Rina, Co-Cathedral parishioners who have been married 25 years, noted how faith has assisted their family unit. “We have three beautiful children, and faith has really helped us in raising them and being there for each other,” Rina Pantano explained. Her husband added, “[faith] represents the solid ground beneath our feet, for our kids and family to stand on.”
Deacon Thomas Rivella and his wife, Angela, commemorate 60 years of marriage in Trenton’s Cathedral. The couple said they try to outdo each other with displays of love, “doing nice things, helping and being good friends,” Angela Rivella said. Vic Mistretta photo
34 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE November 2019
Anniversary Blessings Congratulations & warm wishes to these couples celebrating a special anniversary.... Congratulations on your 25th Wedding Anniversary, Mom & Dad!!
Congratulations Henry & Jo Ann Sufnar
55th wedding anniversary.
on your May God Bless you with many more years of good health, love, and happiness.
I’m very gratetful for you two to be together, and I’m very blessed to be living under this roof with you!
Love, Christine & Mickey, Lisa & Patrick & Darlene.
Stephanie J. & Edward M. Tranosky
David & Iliana Okumth
Congratulations Mom and Dad
happy to celebrate our 50 Anniversary
lllllllllllllll
on your
50 th Wedding Anniversary. Love always, Kerry, Chris and Kevin
William & Patricia Anderson Jr.
St. Clement Parish
Marriage is not always easy. Your life together has been like a rollercoaster. Hats off to you on your 50 year milestone! Wishing you many more years together.
50 Wedding Anniversary th
A “Perfect Marriage” is comprised of two imperfect people, who refuse to give up on each other.
May God continue to bless you.
Love, David, Deirdre, and Jayden Ryan
Congratulations Mom and Dad
To Our Dear Parents
on your
50 wedding anniversary!
Happy 50 th Wedding Anniversary,
Love always,
Lord, we thank you
for all the blessings we have enjoyed in our marriage. With our love for each other and for you we have reached our
50th wedding anniversary.
Lord, continue to watch over our union.
Tom & Barbara McGeachen
Carmen & Vicente,
You have been a great inspiration to all your children. We wish you a blessed,
Remember the yesterdays, plan your tomorrows and celebrate your today! May God continue to bless you both. Kristin, Brian, Kevin and Abigaile. Will, Lisa and Dani.
full of love, happiness and commitment, so lucky to have with us our children, Laura and Greg Britton and Michael Okum. And our fabulous grandaughters Emily and Elizabeth Britton. God is great.
Arthur & Enid Martin 50 th Wedding Anniversary
Brock & Lena Hor
th
Love your daughter, Katelin
and many more years ahead.
Bill & Terry Wiebalc
k
With love and respect, Pilar, Freddy, Ruben, Beatriz and Gabriela.
“Like a river flows surely to the sea Darling so it goes Some things are meant to be Take my hand, take my whole life too For I can’t help falling in love with you.” - Elvis Presley
One year down, Forever to go Laura &John Kavalek November 2019 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 35