From newlyweds to diamond jubilarians, 100 faith-filled couples from across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains gathered in Parramatta’s St Patrick’s Cathedral with their loved ones for the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass — a joyful celebration of enduring love, commitment, and God’s grace.
A sign language interpreter ensured full participation, while Cantor Jessica Kelly and Director of Music Bernard Kirkpatrick KSS led the congregation in song.
Presiding over the Solemn Mass on Sunday 26 October, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv offered heartfelt words of gratitude and admiration for the couples before him who had “modelled their love of God through their commitment to each other.”
An Auslan interpreter helped a couple share their vows during the service. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
He extended special congratulations to Deacon David Dowling and his wife Deirdre as they celebrate 25 years of marriage.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent reflected on the Genesis passage, “It is not good for the man to be alone,” noting that while Adam was incomplete without Eve, there are many ways of finding enrichment and companionship.
He spoke tenderly of his late mother, who spent her final decade surrounded by her children, and acknowledged those who “forgo marriage” yet live lives filled with love through service and community.
Throughout the Mass, hands were clasped, arms draped gently around shoulders, and smiles were exchanged between husbands and wives — some newly married, others lifelong companions. Together, they listened, prayed, and reflected on the covenant that continues to sustain them through every season of life.
This year’s Jubilarian Mass was particularly special for Deacon David Dowling and his wife Deirdre, who are marking their silver wedding anniversary. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Together, the couples renewed their matrimonial vows, saying:
“Blessed are you, Lord God; you have stood faithfully by our side in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. We ask your continued grace; keep us constant in our love for each other and let us bear loyal witness to the covenant you promised to all your people.”
Marriage secrets from a couple married 65 years
This year’s longest-married couple were familiar faces: Polish-born Elaine Stanislawa, 87, and Lech “Les” Gade, 95. Next April, they’ll celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary.
Regular attendees of the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass, their laughter and easy banter are a gentle reminder that love, even after six decades, still knows how to play.
They first met at a Catholic youth social in Ashfield. “They were showing a movie,” Elaine recalled. “At interval, a blonde boy with a crewcut walked past — my heart went bang, bang!” She paused between each “bang” for effect, her eyes sparkling.
“It took him three months to invite me out. After that, he called every day.”
Elaine Stanislawa and Lech “Les” Gade, married 65 years. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
His eyes gleaming with mischief, Les chimed in “I was working for the Australian Telecommunications Commission, the old Telecom, so it didn’t cost me anything!”
Three years later, the couple were married. It was the beginning of a partnership that would carry them through six and a half decades of faith, friendship, and laughter.
When asked what has kept them together all these years, Elaine answered simply:
“We’ve really been two buddies, to be honest.”
The couple share a love of dancing and a strong spirit of service. Elaine has long volunteered in her parish, while Les remains active in ex-servicemen and military history circles and, for the past 17 years, has volunteered at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney — catching public transport across the city each week.
“If it wasn’t for his knees, he’d run a marathon,” Elaine quipped.
Bishop Vincent congratulates Polish-born couple Elaine Stanislawa and Lech “Les” Gade on 65 years of marriage. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Still driving and living independently, the couple raised two children and now delight in their one grandchild.
Elaine listed five keys to a lasting relationship: love, perseverance, forgiveness, supporting one another, and a love of God. “My God means everything to me,” she said, adding:
“I think it’s a wonderful support to go to Mass together and to pray together.”
Katrina and Brian Fitzalan, who will celebrate 60 years of marriage on 27 November 2025, say the secret to a happy marriage is “always working together.” Asked what first drew her to Brian, Katrina smiled, “He was honest and reliable.” Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
For a great marriage: ‘Work together’
St Bernadette’s Castle Hill parishioners, Katrina and Brian Fitzalan, say the key to their 60-year marriage is “always working together” — literally.
They ran a Golden Fleece depot and later a supermarket side by side, building both a business and a life together. The couple also share a lifelong passion for golf, once competing at championship level.
Though Katrina no longer plays due to health reasons, Brian is still swinging strong with a handicap of 22 — a little higher than his former handicap of 5, but, as Katrina proudly noted, “he still beats our son and grandson.”
They have two sons, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Married since September 2024, Holy Spirit St Clair parishioner Amy-Lea Gatt — pictured with Bishop Vincent, husband Aaron, and six-month-old daughter Georgiana — says the secret is “putting everything on the table.” Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
For newlyweds: ‘Put everything on the table’
Honeymooners Amy-Lea and Aaron Gatt first met at her local, the Harp Hotel, Wollongong. She was out celebrating a friend’s birthday, and he had dropped in after an Offspring concert.
“It was love at first sight,” Amy-Lea said. “We talked until the pub closed.”
The couple were engaged a year and ten months later on Amy-Lea’s 34th birthday, marrying in September 2024 in Gozo — an island in the Maltese archipelago — in the same church where Aaron’s grandparents had exchanged their vows.
The secret to a strong marriage? “Putting everything on the table,” said Amy-Lea.
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