HUNTLEY—“Mass is at the heart of the Lord’s greatest gift to us,” said Bishop David Malloy at the diocese’s annual Silver and Gold Mass at St. Mary Parish in Huntley, Aug. 21. “Just as Christ and the Eucharist is the gift of Himself to us,” he continued, “so is marriage with the gift of yourself and your fidelity to one another throughout your marriage.”

 

Members of the Knights of Columbus set the tone of solemnity leading Bishop Malloy into the church, who was accompanied for the celebration of Mass by pastors and priests from the diocese. “They are here for you in support of your marriage,” said Bishop Malloy. To honor the inclusion of diversity in the diocese, the Mass readings were celebrated in both English and Spanish.

 

The music of the choir with soloist Julie Hermann from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Crystal Lake, along with organist Daniel Schroeder, diocesan director of music, added to the beauty of this special Mass.

 

The annual Silver and Gold anniversary celebration Mass bore witness to the sacrament of marriage for all in the church, which was filled to capacity with nearly 1,500 people. Some 210 couples attended from 60 parishes from throughout the diocese. Many were accompanied by their children and grandchildren to share in the special tribute.

 

In his homily, Bishop Malloy noted that “looking back, there have been many sacrifices received from your spouse and that by the grace of God you can look at your commitment and say we did it. Pope Francis has said by God’s will it is the law of nature for the attraction of a man for woman, and a woman for man. The two will become one and it is the means to continue our species. You are the living witnesses of God’s plan.”

 

 Bishop Malloy continued the annual tradition at the end of Mass in acknowledging couples to stand up as he announced the years representing their marriage ranging from 25 to a hallmark 74 years. The largest number of couples, 84, stood up celebrating 50 years. “A total of 10,682 years of marriage has been gathered here today,” he said.

 

In acknowledging the success of the Silver and Gold Mass, Bishop Malloy congratulated the couples and expressed appreciation to his brother priests, the Knights of Columbus members, and Therese Stahl, director of the diocesan Life and Family Evangelization Office in Rockford. 

 

Following the Silver and Gold Mass, attendees gathered with family and friends in the large community room, where they enjoyed refreshments and anniversary cake. Many formed a line to meet personally with Bishop Malloy and have a photo taken with him.

 

Among the couples who met with Bishop Malloy were George, 95, and Marcella, 92, Drendel, long-time parishioners from St. Charles Borromeo Church in Hampshire. “We have been married for 74 years,” Marcella said. When asked to share the secret of their long marriage, she said quietly with pride and a smile: “Farming.”