I attended with my husband Dave and 16 other couples who were all celebrating significant anniversaries this year, along with our families and friends. The total of years married added up to 730, so our personal achievement of 30 years made us feel somewhat like beginners!
The liturgy included the encouraging and thought-provoking First Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians.
In his homily, Bishop Marcus told us about a couple who were both aged 104 and after being married for 80 years were celebrating their oak wedding anniversary, representing strength, stability and endurance. Something for us all to aim for!
We all stood and faced our spouses, and holding hands we renewed our commitment to each other and received the Blessing of Married Couples and the Blessing of Rings. It was a beautiful and emotional moment.
The cathedral was beautifully decorated with flowers, the choir was splendid and the welcome was warm.
Afterwards, we enjoyed refreshments and had the chance to meet and chat with the other couples.
Our thanks to Bishop Marcus, Kevan Grady and the team for our wonderful afternoon.
Alison Goldson
