This September was a special month for Colleen and Michael Brocklehust of Our Lady of the Angels parish, Cwmbran, who were celebrating 50 years of marriage. and who had a special part to play in this year’s Celebration of Marriage and Family Life organised by the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission.
The parish had responded wholeheartedly to the invitation of the Commission to host this year’s Mass to be said by Archbishop George Stack, to celebrate the richness of marriage and family life.
Four priests concelebrated the Mass with the Archbishop, who in his homily referred to two articles written in support of traditional marriage, but stated that the most powerful message that day was the witness of the very many married couples present, who then renewed their marriage vows.
At the offertory, special symbols representing aspects of marriage and family life were carried to the altar by an engaged couple and married couples among whom were those celebrating 40 and 50 years of marriage. After Mass refreshments were provided by ladies of the parish, and a special cake was cut by Colleen and Michael who were celebrating their golden wedding with their family that weekend,
CAPTION TO ACCOMPANY PHOTO:
Archbishop George Stack joins golden wedding couple Colleen and Michael Brocklehurst in cutting the celebratory cake.
This article first appeared in the Catholic People, in December 2012.
It is hoped that the recent audit undertaken by the Commission may add further groups to their records. Once a full picture has been gained from information sent back by Parish Priests the Commission will then be in a position to publish its findings on this most vital work within our Archdiocese.