By Dan Sullivan
Catholic Herald

Couples celebrate wedding anniversaries

SUPERIOR -- Love was the theme of the annual Diocese of Superior's jubilee Mass of thanksgiving for couples observing 25, 50 and 60 years of marriage. Added for the first time with this year's event were those marking 40 years of matrimony. Bishop Raphael M. Fliss celebrated the liturgy Saturday, July 9, at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. Fr. Daniel Dahlberg, cathedral rector; and Fr. Leon Flaherty, CPPS, cathedral associate, assisted.

Fliss, in his opening remarks, said this day was important for the local church of the Superior diocese. "Thank you for celebrating your anniversary with us," he said.

During his homily, the bishop said this special Mass is in its fourth year and it is his hope and prayer that the day continues to be an annual event. Reflecting on the day's readings, Fliss reminded those in attendance that love is patient, kind, enduring and never fails. "Love always tells you to take that first step toward healing and reconciliation," he said. "St. Paul says such love never fails. In good times and bad, in sickness and health, and always."

In today's culture, with many marriages unraveling, the bishop applauded those marking milestone anniversaries. "The world needs your example today, more than ever," Fliss said.

Following the homily, the bishop invited couples to renew the

promises they first made to one another at their wedding. "My dear friends, you have come together in this sacred place so that the Lord may renew and strengthen your love for each other in the presence of Christ and his body the church," Fliss said. "Christ has already blessed you abundantly and given you many years of shared happiness in the sacrament of matrimony. I ask you now to rededicate yourselves to each other as you renew your marriage promises."

In preparation for celebrating the Eucharist, Mary and Marv Nevala, of St. Joseph Parish in Amery, presented Dahlberg with the bread and wine. Mary Nevala said she and Marv were married at the cathedral 50 years ago. "Marv was in a complete trance when we walked that same aisle on our wedding day," she said. "He enjoyed it this time bringing up the gifts."

The song "The Greatest Gift," sung by the diocesan chorale during Communion, reinforced the theme of love. "There are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest gift is the gift of love," the lyrics read.

Shirley and Robert Behling, of St. Dominic Parish in Frederic, came to celebrate 50 years of marriage. The Behlings said that they attempted to resolve their differences before getting married. "We had different religions," Robert Behling said.

Shirley Behling said she felt that their marriage would not work if they had different faith beliefs and agreed to become Catholic. "We wanted children and we wanted them raised in one faith," she said.

The Behlings said that during their honeymoon trip they attended Mass at the cathedral. "We have been here on other occasions too," Robert Behling said.

Marybell and James Lenz, of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dobie, came to mark 40 years of marriage. "We were excited to come and see the cathedral," Marybell Lenz said.

James Lenz added, "The cathedral remodeling took a lot of time and we wanted to see the final results."

The Lenzes were pleased that the diocese honored couples marking 40 years of marriage. "We hope to make it to 50 years (of marriage)," Marybell Lenz said. "I think each milestone is important to celebrate. As long as the diocese is offering a celebration like this, we wanted to take part in it."

Mary and John Spencer of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Rhinelander, will mark 60 years of marriage on Nov. 3. John Spencer shared his secret for staying married with the Catholic Herald. "I just say, 'Yes dear,'" he said.

The couple raised eight children in the Catholic faith. "Faith is what kept us going," Mary Spencer said.

Kristin and Perry Block, of St. John the Baptist Parish in Bloomville, were among those celebrating 25 years of marriage. "We're from the farthest opposite corner of the diocese," Kristin Block said. "We thought this would be an interesting experience. We wanted to see the cathedral; we've never been here before."

The Blocks admire those couples observing the other anniversaries. "We hope to be there some day," Perry Block said.

The Blocks admitted to leaning on faith during their marriage. "Faith has played a big part in our marriage," Kristin Block said. "We had our faith to share with our two sons and the (St. Mary) Catholic School (in Tomahawk) played a big part."

Closing the Mass, the bishop said, "Thank you all for coming. You truly are a blessing for northern Wisconsin and the Diocese of Superior."

Following the liturgy, couples were invited to a reception in Kress Hall in the cathedral's lower level.

A similar Mass was held June 11, at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Phillips.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2005