While relationships around us crumble, Alfonso and Maria Teresa are pursuing faith-filled dreams together after 46 years of marriage.
“Patience, commitment and communication,” is Maria’s first answer when asked the secret to a long-lasting marriage. “Always have God present in your life [because] He keeps us stronger and keeps us going,” she added.
The pair are counting the days until a European adventure. They will be arriving in Spain on October 14 – a day before their 47th wedding anniversary – ahead of a spectacular Budapest-bound cruise.
Alfonso and Maria Teresa at the 2023 Faith in Marriage Seminar, hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta, at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Catholic Outlook met the spouses at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills, where they listened with open hearts to American Catholic speaker, musician and author Chris Padgett share tips based on his own loving, faith-filled marriage of over 32 years.
“If we love each other, we always try to grow,” Maria said simply.
‘Happy Marriage: Faith-filled ways to a better relationship’
During his visit to the Diocese of Parramatta for the annual Faith In Marriage Seminar, Chris spoke at length about his beloved wife Linda who he met in high school and with whom he co-founded the Center for Holy Marriage, to help couples grow deeper in love and unwrap the full potential of what God intended for marriage.
The couple have raised nine children together and have matching tattoos of the phrase, “Till death do us part”.
American Catholic speaker, musician and author Chris Padgett speaks during the 2023 Faith in Marriage Seminar, hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta, at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“Since we were 17 we’ve been together pretty much non-stop,” said Chris.
It was with some delight that the Teresas heard Chris describe Commitment and Pursuing Dreams Together as basic principles for a holy and happy marriage, along with Freedom, Dignity and Respect, Wise Choices, Self-Control, and Believing In Each Other.
“I like the bit about ‘keep on dreaming’,” said Amy Holmes. She and her husband of nearly two years, Isaak, said they left the talk feeling challenged to “re-examine the things we talked about when we were dating.”
Isaak and Amy Holmes at the 2023 Faith in Marriage Seminar, hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta, at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Freedom to Love
“The Catholic Church wants you to have that freedom to say ‘yes’ to each other because to truly love is to be free,” Chris said.
“This love is life-giving and it’s a free and generous act from God who knows you and wants to bless you.”
American Catholic speaker, musician and author Chris Padgett speaks during the 2023 Faith in Marriage Seminar, hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta, at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
He stressed marriage is about “more than passion, attraction and common interests” and “your staying together is a direct, intentional choice by each of you”.
Wise Choices
In reference to Wise Choices, Chris asked the audience to consider, “Does this choice help us to be the saints that we’re called to be? Because within the Catholic context that’s the goal … to get [one another] to Heaven.”
He said it was important to work together to make strong decisions.
“The greatest thing you can do for your relationship, no doubt about it, is dive as deep as you can with Jesus,” Chris said.
Married couples are seen in prayer during the 2023 Faith in Marriage Seminar, hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta, at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“Because isn’t that what a relationship with each other is all about? ‘I will give to you the entirety of myself’ – and if you yourself are diving deep with your faith, what an amazing gift you can give to yourselves.”
At the end of the seminar, Chris invited the couples to visit chrisandlindapadgett.com for courses and resources run by the Padgetts to build stronger, joy-filled marriages.
The Faith in Marriage initiative
The Faith In Marriage initiative is organised by MET Marriage to give couples in the Diocese of Parramatta an opportunity to spend time to enrich their marriage.
The Diocese of Parramatta also offers two marriage preparation programs for couples:
- Weekend Course
- SmartLoving Engaged Online with a sponsor couple
Both preparations are designed to strengthen and enrich your relationship and work on building a rewarding life together. Read more here.
Chris Padgett’s Keys to a holy and happy marriage:
- Freedom
- Dignity and Respect
- Wise Choices
- Self-Control
- Commitment
- Believing In Each Other
- Pursuing Dreams Together
Read Chris’ principles for a holy and happy marriage here: chrisandlindapadgett.com/home
View images from the 2023 Faith in Marriage Seminar here or below:
