Tucson Mass is a celebration of marriage; 200 couples renew vows

Published: 2007-10-01

TUCSON, Ariz. (CNS) -- Some 200 couples from at least 38 parishes in the Tucson Diocese and members of their extended families filled St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson Sept. 23 to renew their wedding vows at an inaugural diocesan "Celebration of Marriage Mass," which is expected to be an annual event. "Today is a special day for each one of you," said Tucson Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, the celebrant. "I'm sure as you think today, in those ... years, there were moments that were difficult, painful, when you had to forgive one another ... but that's what love is really all about." Ninety-two couples were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. One couple -- Carl and Marie Stapleman of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Tucson -- was marking 70 years of marriage. Carl Stapleman said he was "just 21" when he married Marie, who said she was 19. John and Mildred Turner of St. Joseph Parish in Tucson and Ernest and Rose Hadik of Sacred Heart Parish in Tucson were celebrating 69 years of marriage.

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