200 Married Couples Renew Their Vows Together In New Jersey

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A heartwarming tradition returned to a church in New Jersey earlier this week when more than 200 couples affirmed their love at a joint wedding ceremony.

For the past several years, the Archdiocese of Newark has been holding an annual “Wedding Anniversary Mass,” inviting local married couples to renew their vows – and get a special blessing in return.

The archdiocese includes an estimated 1.3 million Catholic residents in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

On Sunday, the eager couples gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Some were celebrating their fifth year of marriage. Others were embarking on their 50th – or more.

Here’s what happened at this year’s Mass, administrators said:

“The celebration, which was held as part of the Catholic Church’s ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope, recognized the enduring love and commitment of these couples. During the Mass, they held each other’s wedding rings as they renewed their marriage vows and received a blessing from Cardinal Joesph Tobin. The cardinal also shared personal reflections, recalling how his own parents placed their faith at the center of their marriage—a guiding example that has stayed with him.”

Tobin – who serves as the archbishop of Newark – met with each couple after the Mass to offer his congratulations on their milestone anniversary. He also presented them with commemorative pins designed to reflect their years of marriage.

The cardinal also encouraged the couples to “lean on their faith” during difficult times.

“The sacrament of marriage is a daily reminder that this isn’t about luck or chance or karma,” he said.

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