Nearly 180 golden and silver jubilarians couples renewed their wedding vows at the annual Marriage Jubilee Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington last Sunday.

"For 28 years we have gathered to celebrate the dignity and sanctity of marriage," said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, saluting the jubilarians, their families and friends.

"You are witness to the dignity of marriage. You are witness that a marriage takes three – husband, wife and Jesus," said Bishop Loverde.

There were 690 golden, 106 silver jubilarians at the annual Mass, among Alfred and Elizabeth Abe, parents of Father John Abe, a priest in the Diocese of Richmond, and Deacon Gene and Patricia deLadurantaye, parents of Father Paul deLadurantaye, a diocesan priest.

There was also Louis and Patricia Kirk celebrating their golden anniversary with their son Kevin Kirk and his wife Lisa Kirk who were celebrating their silver anniversary.

"Lord, increase and consecrate the love which these couples have for one another. The wedding rings they once exchanged are a sign of their fidelity," said the bishop.

After the jubilarians faced each other, joined hands and renewed their vows, the bishop presented each couple with a certificate.

The gathering was very diverse with couples of many ages and nationalities. Hispanics parishioners helped with the readings and many of those celebrating wore festive regional costumes.

"It was a wonderful Mass. I cried," said golden jubilarian Catherine Quinn.

"When the bishop asked us to renew our vows, it really was a special moment, paramount to the day of our marriage," said Barbara Nestro, a golden jubilarians. "I and my husband, Joseph, are ready for many more years of marriage."

Bishop Loverde was assisted by Father Paul deLadurantaye, master of ceremonies, and Deacon Samuel M. Taub. Dr. Richard Gibala directed the diocesan choir.

As in previous years, the Council of Catholic Women hosted a reception afterward in Msgr Burke Hall. The annual event is sponsored by the Office for Family Life.