Following the reception of Holy Communion at the end of both Masses, each milestone group of couples was called separately to stand for the blessing bestowed by Bishop O’Connell.
1st• To the first-year anniversary couples, the Bishop prayed, “Bless these couples, and continue to be their strength and their joy as they say yes each day to their vocation of marriage, and may they be a sign of your presence for their family and friends.”
25th • Offering a blessing to the silver jubilee couples, the Bishop said, “By your grace, you have persevered their communion of life and have strengthened the covenant of their marriage. Send your blessings upon them as you increase your divine love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that surrounded by their children and friends, they may always rejoice in the gift of the Sacrament of Matrimony.”
50th • To those married 50 years or more, the prayer recited by Bishop O’Connell was, “Lord, bless them in this time of thanksgiving, may their children and grandchildren be a constant source of blessing to them, and may they be counted among your servants in the kingdom.”