Pocono News Section

Wedding Anniversary Mass in Scranton

Wedding Anniversary Mass in Scranton - Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 7:18PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Sunday, May 4, 2008 @ 07:18pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Sunday was a special day for more than 200 married couples from 11 different counties in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. After 25, 50, even 60 years of marriage, the couples came together to renew their wedding vows.

Music and love filled the air inside Saint Peter's Cathedral in Scranton. After years of obstacles, hardships and challenges, 211 couples said "I Do" all over again.

"The atmosphere is charged. We are just delighted that so many couples chose to come and celebrate with us. This is a real testiment to the longevity of marriage," Parish Life Secretary Janet Benestad said.

The wedding anniversary mass has been going on for more than ten years. For each couple it is unique.

"I encouraged my parents to do it a few years ago and now I'm here doing it, so it's a pretty neat thing to do," John Woloski of Plains Township said. Woloski has been married for 25 years.

Dolores Ruby and her husband have been married 50 years. There is no place they'd rather be.

"I feel really great that we're both standing up here and our family is going to be here also," Ruby said.

"I think it's something every couple should do, renew their vows and commit themselves to each other again," Cheryl Woloski said.

After the special mass, each couple got a special certificate to honor their anniversary.