Married couples across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have been honoured for their enduring commitment to each other and to sharing the love of God in their families and communities.
On Sunday 29 October, hundreds of married couples gathered in celebration at the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, which recognise those who have celebrated significant anniversaries in 2023.
During the Solemn Mass, couples were blessed by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, who, in his homily, thanked them for their faithful witness to the love of God and neighbour, referencing the week’s readings.
“We are made in the image of the God who is, by His own nature, life-sharing and life-generating. The book of Genesis tells us that we are created to be in relationship,” Bishop Vincent said.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, delivers the homily during the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on Sunday 29 October 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“Your union in marriage reflects the union of the Trinitarian God who models for us a community of relational harmony, unity in diversity and mutual empowerment.
“Your anniversary celebration today brings joy, hope, and even renewal to us. We are comforted and strengthened by your companionship.
“We pray that Christ’s self-sacrificial love, which you have sought to emulate in your marriage, will be the source of nourishment for many who you accompany on the journey.”
Kristy and Roy
Roy Hyundo Kim and Kristy Sunsoon Choi from St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, are celebrating their 20th anniversary this week, saying it was very special to attend the anniversary Mass and celebrate their significant milestone.
“God has blessed us so much in the last 20 years. We started off as young uni students getting to know each other and with God’s blessings, we have grown this far and we have five children with us and we’re still healthy in our faith,” Kristy said.
Roy Hyundo Kim (right) and Kristy Sunsoon Choi (third left) and their children with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, following the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on Sunday 29 October 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“We’ve always said that it is him, me and God in our marriage. There have been struggles, but we know that God is there for us. He’s a good father who always looks after us and wants what’s best for us. He’s put us together as a couple to live that life of holiness in this life here on Earth.”
Roy added, “God has helped us through tough times and it wouldn’t’ve been possible without God to be blessed with five children, and we’re very grateful for that.”
Baldwin and Gwen
Having celebrated 57 years of marriage, Baldwin and Gwen D’Silva from St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands, are grateful to God for all the blessings He has given them in their lives.
“We have always been connected to the Church. It has been a wonderful time,” Baldwin described. “We both work hard, and we love our Church, we love our community.”
Baldwin and Gwen D’Silva with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, following the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on Sunday 29 October 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Gwen added, “I don’t think I could find a better person than him. What I see in him is the love that he has, and he has stood by it through good times and difficult times. His faithfulness to God is really sincere. All this time, we have kept God in the centre of our lives and that is what has kept us committed.”
Graham and Catherine
For Graham and Catherine Delaney, it doesn’t feel like 50 years has gone by since their wedding. The couple described the joy of being able to renew their vows during Mass at their home parish of Our Lady of the Rosary, St Marys, in June.
“She’s my best mate,” Graham said of his wonderful wife. “She looks the same as when we got married.”
Catherine (left) and Graham Delaney (second left) with their daughter Amber (right) and son-in-law Mark and Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, following the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on Sunday 29 October 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Catherine explained, “I didn’t think I’d get to 50 years. I jumped at the opportunity to come here and celebrate our marriage, because I think marriage isn’t celebrated as much these days.
“[Graham] is beautiful. I’m so very lucky. He’s one in a million.”
Stay faithful to each other and to God
And what advice do our jubilarians wish to share with newly married couples and those preparing for marriage?
“Always pray together. That’s what got us through tough times. When there are hard decisions, we find answers when we start praying together,” Roy said.
Kristy added, “practice your faith together, pray together and receive the sacraments within the Church, because that will give you grace that will allow you to live a wonderful life together as partners for life.”
Graham said, “just work together and be a true team.”
Married couples receive a blessing during the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on Sunday 29 October 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Catherine added, “you’ve got to be forgiving and don’t worry about small things and when you’re angry, think of all the good bits straightaway. Never give up, because he’s the right one and she’s the right one.”
Baldwin explained, “stick to God. God loves you and you have to spend this love which God gives you to others. As long as you love everybody, we can spread our word and the example of Christ.”
Gwen said, “have a relationship with God. If you have no relationship with God, it’s very difficult. Our Lady is here to guide and protect us always. Read the scripture. Pray to the Holy Spirit, He will guide you and interpret in your mind the way God wants you to go.”
View images from the Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass here or below:
