125 Lifetimes Of Marriage Celebrated At 'Golden Mass' In North Jersey

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It’s no secret formula – not by a longshot. But a simple mélange of “love, patience, understanding and faith” have worked wonders for Marie and Thomas Johnson over the course of their 50-year marriage … and for nearly 125 other couples who recently celebrated their golden anniversary in Essex County.

Hundreds of people took part in the Archdiocese of Newark’s annual Golden Anniversary Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on June 2 (watch the video below).

The archdiocese serves 1.3 million Catholic residents of Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

The spouses — who traveled from throughout North Jersey to attend the ceremony — held each other’s wedding rings as Cardinal Joseph Tobin commended their love for each other and called them “inspirations.”

After the Mass, Tobin met with each couple to personally congratulate them on their milestone anniversaries. He also presented them with gold pins depicting interlocked wedding rings in front of a cross.

Johnson attended the ceremony with her husband of 50 years, Thomas.

“The secret to a long marriage is love, patience, understanding, and above all, faith in the Lord,” the Park Ridge resident said. “That’s what has helped us – and we’re happy to be here to celebrate that.”

Others present at the event have spent even more time together, with some couples celebrating their 65th and even 70th years together.

“It’s a joy to host this Mass every year because these couples deserve to be recognized — they are a great testament to marriage,” said Brian Caldwell, director of the archdiocesan Office for Family Life Ministry.

“It’s been a tough few years, and a lot of younger couples are struggling,” Caldwell said. “This Mass gives them hope because they can see couples who have endured whatever life has thrown at them.”

• See Related: ‘Say Yes To Each Other’: NJ Couples Celebrate 50 Years Of Marriage
• See Related: Pure Gold: 150 Couples From NJ Celebrate 50 Years Of Marriage

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.