Mayo couples celebrate anniversaries at special event
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Archbishop Francis Duffy with Kathleen and Michael Rooney, Taugheen, celebrating 50 years of marriage. Photo: Jacinta FahyImage 2 of 6
Archbishop Francis Duffy with Bridie and James Thomas, Castlebar, who were celebrating 55 years of marriage at the special diocesan celebration of marriage anniversaries. Photo: Jacinta FahyImage 3 of 6
Archbishop Francis Duffy with Mary and John Cunningham, Belcarra, celebrating 19 years of marriage. Photo: Jacinta FahyImage 4 of 6
Archbishop Francis Duffy with Breege and Gerard Brady, Castlebar, celebrating 20 years of marriage. Photo: Jacinta FahyImage 5 of 6
Archbishop Francis Duffy with Ann and John Hosty, Ballyhaunis, celebrating 50 years of marriage. Photo: Jacinta FahyImage 6 of 6
Couples and their families celebrated at the special event hosted by Archbishop Duffy. Photo: Jacinta FahyTHE annual diocesan celebration of marriage anniversaries took place in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, with a number of Mayo couples attending the special event.
Celebrations began with concelebrated mass where the principal celebrant and homilist was Archbishop Francis Duffy.
The concelebrants were Fr. Karl Burns, Mountbellew-Moylough, and Fr. Seán Flynn, Tuam.
Under Dr. Mark Keane's direction, the cathedral choir provided the music for the ceremony.
Invitations to this annual celebration were extended through the Sunday newsletter in parishes throughout the archdiocese.
More than 60 couples from various parishes around the diocese attended the celebrations.
This annual event, organised by the Diocesan Pastoral Council, seeks to honour the vocation of marriage and celebrate those couples marking significant marriage anniversaries.
Mary Connell, Castlebar, coordinated the liturgy.
The readings were proclaimed by Evelyn Mannion of Lackagh and Lorraine Lee-Bonar from Louisburgh. Emer Kelly, Tuam, sang the Responsorial Psalm.
The bidding prayers were led by Mary Smith, Clonberne, Kathleen Mooney, Crossboyne, Bernadette Collins, Ballinrobe, Pat Walsh, Ballyhaunis/Logboy, Grachel Enriquez, Menlough/Skehana, and Cathy Harte, Partry.
T.J. and Rose Kirrane from Castlebar presented the bread and wine.
Fr. Pat Farragher, Adm., was MC for the Mass.
Afterwards everyone enjoyed refreshments in the St. Jarlath’s College dining room on invitation from Archbishop Duffy.