On Friday, September 6 St Patrick’s & St Joseph’s parish, Wicklow & Rathnew held a celebration for 28 couples marking 25, 40, 50, 55 and 60 years of marriage.
There was about 200 in attendance for the Mass which was celebrated by Fr Donal Roche Adm, and co-celebrated by Fr Pat O Rourke and Fr Paddy Graham, whose own brother was celebrating 50 years of marriage on the night. One couple representing each anniversary processed at the beginning of Mass with a candle representing all the others who were celebrating.
Members of the families involved did the readings and the Wicklow church choir added immensely to the celebration.
After Mass, the couples and their families were led over to the parish centre by a piper where the hospitality group had laid on a wonderful supper, with tea, coffee and wine.
Once everyone had enjoyed the refreshments, the certificates and candles were then presented to each couple.