Fr. Peter acknowledged that these couples answer Jesus' call to "love one another as I have loved you."
Our Cantor led the opening song.
Mission San Luis Rey Parish Serra Center, 2pm.
Saint Paul asked us to offer our lives and our bodies as a perfect sacrifice to the Lord, our God.
The readings talked about the importance of growing together, in faith, in relationship with each other and with God.
"Oh, Love of God, Gather Us."
"Here our hearts and treasures lay, we want to thank you, God."
The music invites us to consider the importance of forgiveness...
As the Lord is loving and slow to anger, rich in kindness...
So, we are to live together as one.
Over fifty couples assembled to celebrate.
Thanking God for the couples' "yes --every day, to decide to love..."
"Saying yes to lives of mercy and compassion..."
"To forgive, honor, respect once another..."
Fr. Peter praised the witness these couples offer to the community about the importance of growing together, in faith.
"For over 50 years, side by side, partners in faith."
To honor the commitment made to Lord and each other, Fr. Peter invited the couples to stand and renew their vows.
Fr. Peter asked, how many couples had been married 50-55 years? There were about 25.
How many couples had been married 61-65 years? There were about 10. And 65 plus, there were 2!
The bridegrooms vowed to be true in good times and in bad...
El novio dice: como esposa y me entrego a ti...
"May God give you his joy and bless you..."
True friends, forever.
Enjoying the simple grace of your beloved's hand in yours.
Standing together to face life's challenges.
Remember to always have God in your heart....
A moment shared that will be remembered forever.
May my embrace be a circle of love for you....
Fr. Peter blesses the couples and offers the communities congratulations. Everyone broke into applause.
And now, strength for the journey...the Eucharistic Celebration begins.
"I will be strength for the journey...."
"There is a road meant for you to travel. Narrow and steep is the shepherd’s way."
"I will be strength for the journey."
"Your grace is power, your will forever...."
"Your love is a river; overflow in me."
"Your word: true presence. Your body: our recompense."
"Your blood: salvation; overflow in me."
"Overflow in me, my Lord, overflow in me, my Lord."
"We lift up our hearts. We lift up our souls. We lift up our minds. Ev’ry good thing is yours."
"Let your people bless you as your cup is poured."
"Overflow in me, my Lord."
"As we gather at your table, broken like the bread we share..."
