Trending
YOUNGSTOWN -- Gilbert and Bertha Kandrac have been married for 67 years and did not mind the drive from their home in Rock Creek to St. Columba Cathedral, where they were among 119 couples from the six counties of the Diocese being honored for milestone marriages.
A total of 5,644 years of wedded life ranging from 25 to 70 years were celebrated at the special wedding anniversary Mass on Sunday afternoon. The event included renewal of marriage vows, a certificate and a reception following the Mass in the parish hall.
Paul and LaVerne Schraf of St. Jude Parish, Columbiana, and William and Lee Sheridan of Holy Family Parish, Poland, are the longest married of those registered and are celebrating 70 years. Other couples celebrating include: 31 couples married 51 to 69 years; 40 couples married 50 years; 31 couples married 40 years; and 15 couples marking 25 years.
Bishop David Bonnar celebrated the special wedding anniversary Mass. The cathedral was filled. The couples satin the front, and family and friends sat in the back.
"Gil and Bert" Kandrac, who are members of Sacred Heart Parish in Rock Creek, were in the front row of the cathedral where the longest married couples sat.
"We have been married for 67 years and now are waiting for 65," Bertha said jokingly. "This was a beautiful event."
Gilbert said they were unable to make it last year because of medical issues and they were determined to make it this year for the Mass.
Also traveling far were Louis and Barbara Szabo of Conneaut, who attend St. Andrew Parish in Kingsville. The couple said they have known each other since the first grade and are celebrating 65 years of marriage.
"It's wonderful to be together for 65 years," Barbara said.
"We have had ups and downs, but it has been mostly ups. We have children and six grandchildren," Louis said.
In Trumbull County, three couples marked 60 years of marriage: Kenneth and Carol Flack of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Warren, John and Patricia Czopor of St. Patrick Parish in Hubbard, and Frank and Jessica Hassay of St. Rose Parish in Girard.
With 59 years of marriage were Albert and Beverly Shinosky of Blessed Sacrament.
BISHOP'S MESSAGE
Bonnar wished the couples a happy and blessed anniversary.
"Even though today may not be the exact day of your anniversary, we of the Diocese gather today to celebrate with you and for you and to thank almighty God and you for your compelling witness to love and fidelity," Bonnar said of the many years of marriage represented at the event.
He said the milestones the couples are marking in their relationships show the many miles and years of traveling together in life beginning with their first date to the present.
Bonnar said his own parents were married for 49 years and he has worked for more than 35 years helping to prepare couples for marriage and has presided over many marriages.
He said the fruits of the labor of husband and wife have included children, grandchildren, friends, successful jobs, comfortable homes, health, faith, fidelity and perseverance.
"My dear married couples, don't think because of your many years of your fruitfulness and faithfulness that you stop growing. Even after 70 years of marriage the growing continues. Be fruitful and be alive. Live out your love for each other with every breath and every step," Bonnar said.
He said when couples look into each other's eyes, they reflect the many memories together and so many more dreams.
"Do not let anyone or anything separate what God has so beautifully joined. … Your love together will help take you beyond this world to the eternal joys of heaven,'' he said.