By Joanna King
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson joyfully honored the anniversaries of married couples from across the diocese with two special Masses, celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz. The first Mass took place on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson, followed by a second celebration on Sunday, Feb. 9, at St. James in Tupelo. These gatherings brought together couples of all ages to celebrate the sacred bond of marriage and their commitment to one another through the years.
Debbie Tubertini, coordinator for the Office of Family Ministry, explained that the decision to hold two Masses was made to better accommodate couples in different regions of the diocese. By offering celebrations in both the northern and central areas of the state, more couples had the opportunity to participate in this special recognition of their enduring love and faith.
World Marriage Day has a rich history, tracing its roots to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where in 1981, a group of couples encouraged their local leaders – including the Mayor, the Governor, and the Bishop – to proclaim St. Valentine’s Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.” The idea quickly gained momentum, and in 1993, Pope St. John Paul II imparted his Apostolic blessing upon World Marriage Day, solidifying its place as an international celebration. Today, the event continues to spread across the globe, embracing different faith traditions and cultural expressions, all in recognition of the beauty and importance of marriage.
During the World Marriage Day celebrations in the Diocese of Jackson, couples were honored with a special anniversary certificate, blessed and signed by Bishop Kopacz. These certificates serve as a meaningful keepsake, commemorating their years of love, commitment and faith. The ceremonies also provided an opportunity for couples to renew their vows in the presence of family, friends and fellow parishioners, reaffirming their dedication to one another and to God.
The diocese extends heartfelt congratulations to all the couples who participated in this year’s celebrations. Whether newlyweds or those marking decades of marriage, each couple serves as a witness to the enduring power of love and the grace of the sacrament of matrimony.
Please join us in celebrating and praying for these special couples, that their love may continue to grow and inspire others for years to come.
(More photos to come at https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.)
Happy Anniversary
75 Years
Ruperto & Matilde Garcia
74 Years
Clint & Elizabeth Smith
69 Years
Ron & Roseminette Gaude
66 Years
Carl & Glenda Voss
65 Years
Maurice & Barbara Roy
Ronald & Sandra Wojcik
63 Years
Stephen & Linda Smith
62 Years
James & Ella Kimbrell
Stephen & Linda Smith
61 Years
The late Junius & Barbara Clark
Dennis & Virginia McDaniel
George & Anita Souderes
60 Years
Dickie & Pat Junkin
Cliff & Pat Stein
56 Years
Tom & Becky Corkern
55 Years
Gregory & Carolyn Victoriano
53 Years
Daniel & Sally Dare
51 Years
Robert & Patricia Barber
Michael & Sharron Scheel
50 Years
Vincent & Laveria Green
Alan & Laurissa Henderson
Charles & Karen Hill
Jason & Margot Orman
Arnold & Cathy Landry
Carroll & Debra LeBlanc
Duncan & Cathy Mansell
Denson & Mary Etta Robinson
Hank & Jackie Smith
Norman & Marlene Williams
40 Years
Peter & Sherra Arnold
Terry & Deborah Bergin
Paul & Laura Burns
Anthony & Renee’ Carpenter
Zoffee & Sandra Dahmash
Frank & Patty Davis
Henry & Marla Farmer
Gary & Carolyn Guido
Ron & Ann Porter
Allen & Beth Richard
Jeffrey & Carol Wadlington
30 Years
Edward & Lilia Alba
Enrique & Carolina Amador
Craig & Leigh Anne Bertelsen
Walt & LaShon Brown
Paul & Marybeth Dawes
Basil & Colleen Demarest
José & Maribel Martinez
Stacy & Patricia McKay
Eddie and Brenda Panteria
Eddie & Margaret Stutzman
25 Years
David & Patricia Cavin
William & Erica Chisholm III
Jason & Kerri Dare
Jeremy & Caroline Erwin
John & Amy Hornback
Chris & Joni House
Hermilo & Cristina Lira
Chris & Emily Maxwell
David & Bridgette Moore
Fred & Jeanne Setzer
Ronnie & Mindy Smith
Rafael & Monica Valdepena
Chris & Amanda Williams
Other
Carrie & David Haadsma – 44 years
Jose Luis & Ma. Concepcion Segura – 42 years
Eloy & Gloria Hernandez – 42 years
Phillip & Colleen Ray – 38 years
Mike & Angela Massey – 37 years
Byron & Lillian Trahan– 37 years
Paul & Michelle Harkins – 39 years
Gary & Sheila Carver – 36 years
Jeff & Christi Houin – 35 years
Ken & Mimi Cash – 32 years
Marc & Lainie Anthony – 31 years
Guillermo Benitez & Lidia Serrano – 31 years
Shane & Nina Hoang– 31 years
Todd & SuzAnne Liddell – 31 years
Ted & Raquel Thompson – 29 years
Reynaldo & Aracely Acosta – 28 years
Shane & Ann Sanders – 28 years
Leo & Glenda Bautista – 24 years
Noel & Matilde Benavides – 24 years
Jai & Lori Eschete – 24 year
Augusto & Olga Soltero – 21 years
Alejandro & Katya Cruz – 18 years
Martín & María Mariela Martinez – 17 years
German & Natali Flores – 15 years
Gabriel & Luz María Gonzalez – 15 years
Tam & Lucy Nguyen – 15 years
Francisco & Yolanda Aguilar – 9 years
Javier & Kathya Candanedo – 5 years