More than 850 couples to be honored for their long marriages at a special Mass, including a couple celebrating 74 years of marriage

Saying “I Do” All Over Again at Jubilarian Mass

June 10, 2013

At Our Lady’s Church in Medley’s Neck, a love story lives in the pews. Married for 74 years are the Hollys — Joseph and Elizabeth. Their son, William Holly and his wife of 50 years, Alice, join them there. Also among the parishioners are their daughter Janet Wright and her husband of 25 years, Kevin. The three generations of this one family will celebrate their jubilee marriages at the annual archdiocesan Jubilarian Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Sunday, June 16, 2013
2:00 p.m. Mass (Renewal of vows follows the homily)
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC

This family served as the gift bearers for the papal Mass at Nationals Park during Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic visit to Washington in 2008. They will also be the gift bearers at this year’s Jubilarian Mass.

The Hollys are among the 869 couples that have registered to have their milestone anniversaries recognized by the archdiocese this year, totaling 39,417 years of marriage. About 600 couples will attend the Mass, including Joseph and Elizabeth Holly. The marriages range from 25 to 74 years, with 440 couples married for 50 or more years. Eleven couples have been married for 70 or more years. Parishes from across the archdiocese are represented, including 33 couples from St. Peter Parish in Olney in Montgomery County, as well as 20 couples from Sacred Heart Parish in Bowie in Prince George’s County, and 19 couples from Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish in Owings in Calvert County.

In addition to renewing their vows and receiving a special blessing during Mass, all couples will receive personalized certificates commemorating their special anniversary following Mass.

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