Celebrating a lifetime of love: Diocese honors 72 couples at special Anniversary Mass
By Allison Mosier08/05/2025
The Diocese of Erie joyfully celebrated the vocation of marriage on Sunday, August 3, at Our Lady of Peace Church in Erie, where 72 couples from across the 13-county diocese gathered with family and friends to mark milestone wedding anniversaries. With more than 100 guests in attendance, the Mass was a significant witness to the beauty and endurance of sacramental love.
Couples honored this year were celebrating anniversaries ranging from 25 to 71 years. Each was recognized for their faithful commitment to one another and to the church. Parishes from 43 communities across the Diocese of Erie were represented, highlighting the wide reach of this beloved diocesan tradition.
The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, bishop of Erie, presided over the Mass and offered a special blessing of the rings. As couples turned to one another and placed their hands together once again, many were moved by the reverence and tenderness of the moment. Following the liturgy, each couple received a commemorative certificate signed by Bishop Persico in recognition of their years of faithful marriage.
Many couples shared reflections on what their journey has meant. Gary and Laura Anderson, celebrating 40 years of marriage, offered these heartfelt memories. “I knew that I loved you when you told me that you had no idea who Christie Brinkley was,” Laura said. “In all seriousness, you always made me feel safe and loved.” Gary added, “I knew I loved you when you skied Tourist Trap at Vail.” That slope, a double black diamond filled with moguls, became a symbol of the courage and adventure that defined their life together.
Joseph and Debbie Hamilton, celebrating 50 years, met as teenagers at Mass and have built a life centered on family and faith. “Joe was 16 and I was 15 when we first met at Saints Peter and Paul in Pettis,” Debbie shared. “We have three grown children and five grandchildren, with another on the way. We adore spending time at our country home, tending the garden and watching the sunset over the Hamilton farmland.”
For Frederick and Joanne Regal, married 65 years, love lives in shared moments. “We bought a banner that read ‘Together is the best place to be’ while camping in Delaware. That message stayed with us, even after the banner was gone. We later saw the same message in a framed picture at Romolo’s coffee shop and now it hangs near our front door. The Lord has blessed us with 65 years together so far.”
Professional photographs of each couple were provided by the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania, giving them a lasting memento from the day. A light reception followed the Mass, offering couples and their families time to celebrate in fellowship. The event was hosted by the Office of Faith Formation and supported in part by the Catholic Services Appeal.
For those unable to attend the Erie celebration, a second diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, August 24 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Tobias Church in Brockway. Couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60-plus anniversary in 2025 are invited to attend.
To register, click here or contact Faye Froess at 814-824-1210.
As the church gives thanks for these enduring witnesses of love, we are reminded that the sacrament of marriage is not simply a vow made on a wedding day, but a lifelong journey of grace, sacrifice and deep joy. The Diocese of Erie remains grateful for every couple who continues to live out this sacred vocation.
View photos from the Mass here.
-