On December 30, 2023, Friar Giu-se Nguyễn Chính Luận, OFM Conv., a member of the Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam, presided over the 70th Wedding Anniversary Mass for his parents, one week earlier than the official date of the Sacrament of Marriage, January 7, 1954 – 7 January 2024. Concelebrating were 34 priests, including 11 priests from the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, 6 priests from the Congregation of the Divine Word, OFM priests and priests from the Diocese.
In the homily, the parish priest said: Gathering to today’s Mass, we joyfully give thanks to God, for He has given us a Catholic couple living their married life faithfully through 70, becoming a shining example for other families, especially the families in the parish and the local Church. The image of their big family is like a river, most of the time it is flowing smoothly, but not lacking in times when boiling. However, the couple is like two solid river banks to keep the river safely intact and 13 children are like 13 bridges and between those banks, there is a stream of water flowing out of life, collaborating in the work of creation of God through children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After 70 years of marriage, Friar Luận’s parents have 138 members including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in the family. They gave birth to 13 children, of whom 10 are married, 3 are living consecrated lives, 1 priest of the Divine Word working in Australia, 1 sister of the Lovers of the Holy Cross in Dalat, and 1 friar of the OFM Conventual in Vietnam. Among the grandchildren, there are also 4 people living in consecrated life.
The Catholic couple after 70 years of marriage, have 138 members including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in the family.
After the Thanksgiving mass, the family invited the guests back to the house to have a party. This is an opportunity for the family to welcome relatives, friends, and religious men and women to come and share the joy of the Thanksgiving Day.
Written by Friar Giu-se Nguyễn Chính Luận, OFM Conv.