Bishop Lucia congratulates William and Jean Noroski at the World Marriage Day Mass on Feb. 15. The Noroskis have been married 73 years. Photo credit | Chuck Wainwright
Syracuse Diocese celebrates World Marriage Day Mass on Feb. 15
By Tami S. Scott, Editor
Though William and Jean Noroski attended different high schools, God brought them together at the same school dance. Today, they celebrate 73 years of marriage.
Daniel and Gretchen Leary met on a blind date while in high school. This year marks their 65th anniversary together.
When Steve and Cindy Barone first met at a discotheque, Steve said he knew immediately they would be married someday. He even told her on their third date. “How can you be so sure?” Cindy asked. “I just know,” he told her. The bride and groom exchanged vows 50 years ago.
Carol Rojek and William Todeschini first met on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “We were at the same Mass at the same church,” the couple told The Catholic Sun. “Four years later, we were engaged on Aug. 15 as well.” They have been happily married for 25 years.
These four couples were among the 125 couples who registered to attend the annual World Marriage Day Mass on Feb. 15 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. The celebration’s theme: Together with Purpose.
In his homily, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia referred to the Sacrament of Marriage as an invitation for couples to “build their lives on the foundation of Jesus’ words and the revealed Word of God as given to us in the Sacred Scriptures.” He then compared the vocation to building a house—it does not appear overnight.
“It has to be built,” to stand the test of time and difficulties of life, Bishop explained. “It’s essential that you look to the future because this house has to last, not just a few years, but for the rest of your lives.”
Kristin Dievendorf, planning coordinator for the diocese’s Family/Respect Life Ministry, commented on the great efforts that these married couples put forth to navigate life together. “They have been tried, learned, grew, and committed to one another again and again. Their faith has sustained them and their families through incredible difficulties.”
For Rojek and Todeschini, shared faith has been the foundation of their marriage, viewed as their “moral compass” guiding them through life’s celebrations and hardships. “As a married couple, you choose to do life together, which is not always easy,” they said. “There will be good times and bad. God has always been a part of our lives. We both have a strong belief in His love for us and His constant presence in our marriage.”
Steve Barone, a cradle Catholic, and Cindy, who converted to Catholicism in 2001, told us that a successful marriage requires intentional effort, a willingness to evolve together, and putting God first in the relationship.
“When I told my dad that I was going to marry Cindy, … he said, ‘You know, Steve, she’s not Catholic. How are you going to work through that? You know, [when] you have a family and children.’ And I said, you know, ‘Dad, I’m not sure, but I do know that God’s going to work it out. He’s got a plan. … I have a deep love for this person, and I know that God will work it out. And boy, has He ever.”
“In His time,” Cindy added, underscoring their deep trust in God’s plan and purpose for their lives.
Following the homily, each couple renewed their vows, and Bishop Lucia offered a Blessing of Rings. Couples celebrating milestones of 25 years and longer were each called forward to receive a prayer card and blessing during the Recognition of Special Anniversaries.
“Sacramental marriage is meant to be a window into the life and love of the Trinity. It is meant to be a visible sign of God’s invisible love and presence,” said Family/Respect Life Ministry director Lisa Hall. “It is important to honor that these couples have chosen to love one another totally, faithfully, freely, and forever. In good times and in bad. They model to the world that they will not leave or forsake one another. They show us a glimpse of the love of God who loves us faithfully, no matter what. It is a privilege and blessing to honor the commitment and selfless love these couples share. And it shows a world sorely in need of authentic examples, that love is not only possible, it is also real.”
More than seven decades after saying “I do,” Mrs. Jean Noroski reflected on a lifetime of love and faith, pointing to the grace God extends to those who trust Him: “God guided us very well. We’ve been very happy.”
