bacani couple

St. Rita Couple Credits Prayer for 70 Years Together

Special to the HERALD
(From the Issue of 6/7/07) bacani

ALEXANDRIA — In gratitude for their faith and desiring to share the joy of their 70 years in matrimony, Alberto and Nina Bacani, of Alexandria, gathered with family and friends to renew their marriage vows. The Mass at St. Rita Church was con-celebrated by Father Denis Donahue, pastor of St. Rita, and Father Art Mallari, who was recently ordained for the Diocese of Rockford, Ill.
Married on May 26, 1937, Alberto and Nina, ages 96 and 94, respectively, expressed profound joy as they surveyed their children and spouses as well as their “additional olive shoots around their table” (Ps 128) — 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren — and many family friends who traveled for the Memorial Day weekend event.
“The necessity of building a marriage on one’s faith is paramount,” said Alberto, a World War II veteran, when asked about success in marriage. Without their faith, enduring World War II, the loss of two of their five children to cancer, and a stroke with its 20 years of debilitating effects would have been impossible, the Bacanis said.
“The issues may change, but one thing never does: when the going gets tough, the tough pray,” the said.
As they recounted their years together since their first meeting in the Philippines, Nina smiled as she talked about this first encounter.
“I’m sure my husband doesn’t even know this story, but four months before Bert and I met, I asked St. Anthony to send a good husband into my life if it was God’s will that I be married,” Nina said. “Four months later, Bert arrived as a boarder in my parents’ home.”
Both Bert and Nina agreed they have “been blessed with a wonderful family and the most supportive of friends.”
The Bacanis are parishioners of St. Rita Parish with their daughters Lyda Miranda and Mimi Cabagnot and families. Granddaughter Marla Mooney and family are parishioners of St. William of York Parish in Stafford. Granddaughter Karen Avis and family are parishioners of St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Springfield. Granddaughter Teresina Thornton and family are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish in Bristow.