On Sept. 23, Bishop George J. Lucas greets George and Pat Fleck following the anniversary celebration for couples married 50 years or longer. The Mass and reception, which is held annually and is an event of the Office for Family and Youth Ministry, is funded by the Annual Catholic Services Appeal. The Flecks were married Jan. 16, 1954 and are the parents of seven children, including two sets of twins. They are long-time members of St. James Parish in Riverton. In a strong testimony to the sacrament of marriage, approximately 85 couples attended the annual anniversary celebration for couples who have been married 50 years or longer. The Mass and reception were held this year on Sunday, Sept. 23, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Bishop George J. Lucas was the principal celebrant, with Father John Nolan concelebrating and Deacon Roch Magerl serving as the deacon. The choir and musicians from St. James Parish in Riverton provided the music.

Many of the couples who came to Mass were first-time attendees, celebrating their 50^th year of marriage in 2007. Several of those couples were accompanied by children and grandchildren who made the trip to the cathedral with them. Other longer-married couples have been coming to the Mass for several years and take advantage of the celebration as a time to renew their vows to one another. Some of them came with walkers and canes, while others leaned on one another for support.

In his opening greeting Bishop Lucas said that the Mass for long-married couples is something he looks forward to every year. "At this Mass, all together we can say thanks to God for the grace that has sustained you all these years, in sickness and in health."

Ed and Lela Themig, members of Mother of Dolors Parish in Vandalia, renew their vows at the anniversary celebration for couples who have been married 50 years or longer. They will be celebrating their 59th anniversary on Dec. 28.

As is his custom at the Mass, just prior to his homily Bishop Lucas counted up from 50, asking that couples raise their hands when he called out the number of years they have been married. This year, as in many years past, the longest-married couple was Theo and Ruth Knust, who are members of St. Mary's Church in New Berlin. Sadly, Ruth was unable to attend this year because of health reasons; however Theo came to the Mass alone to represent them both. He sat in the area of the Cathedral where he and Ruth have taken their seats for many years.

During his homily, Bishop Lucas said that the long unions are a great cause for rejoicing and noted that couples "meet God every day" in their marriage. "It is by God's plan that we are here. It is a good plan in which we participate," he said. "The sacrament of marriage provides you a way to live in your human dignity ... and to give honor and glory to God."

Following Bishop Lucas' homily, the couples were invited to renew their vows. The men and women held hands while they re-declared their commitment to one another, and then sealed their vows with a quick kiss. Following the Mass, the couples were invited to a small reception, where they had a chance to meet Bishop Lucas and enjoy some cake and refreshments.

The anniversary Mass, held every autumn, is an event of the Office for Family and Youth Ministry and is funded by the Annual Catholic Services Appeal.