Homily: 50th Wedding Anniversary: Renato and Imelda March 18-2026.

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 “In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you; and I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people.”

Dear Renato and Imelda,

It is truly a joy and an honor for me to celebrate this Mass with you today as you mark 50 years of marriage. What a beautiful milestone fifty years of love, sacrifice, faith, and perseverance.

As you know, during the season of Lent, the Church does not allow special readings for occasions like this. We keep the readings of the day. But I truly believe that today’s reading from the prophet Isaiah is perfectly chosen by God for you.

God says: “I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people.”

Renato and Imelda, God has given both of you as a covenant—not only to each other, but to your family, your children, your grandchildren, your relatives, and your friends.

Your marriage has been a visible sign of God’s faithfulness.

Through your life together, God has blessed many:

• the life of your children,

• the love that has been shared in your family,

• the example you have given to others.

Today we thank God for all the blessings He has given through your faithfulness over these fifty years.

Looking back, you can see how God has answered your prayers—sometimes in ways you expected, and sometimes in ways you did not. You have experienced His help in times of difficulty, His strength in moments of weakness, and His presence in both joy and sorrow.

And today, God renews His promise to you. The reading ends with these beautiful words:

“Can a mother forget her infant…? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.”

What a powerful assurance.

The God who brought you together… The God who walked with you through fifty years… is the same God who will continue to be with you.

So much has changed in these fifty years.

Many of the people who were present at your wedding are no longer with you. Society has changed. Technology has changed. Even your own lives have changed with time and age. But one thing has never changed:

God’s love.

He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

And I am sure, if we ask you today, you can confidently say what we prayed in the responsorial psalm:

“The Lord is gracious and merciful.”

For a couple celebrating fifty years, I do not have advice like I would give at a wedding homily. Instead, I simply invite you to hold on to one line from today’s Gospel:

“My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.”

God has been at work in your life for fifty years. And now, you are still called to continue that work.

Continue loving.

Continue serving.

Continue being a witness to your family and to all who know you.

Do not grow tired of doing good.

The same Lord who has guided you these fifty years will continue to walk with you, protect you, and lead you safely the rest of your life.

May God bless you both abundantly.

Amen.


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