Celebration
of
Marriage
2009
'to love and to cherish ...'
'The great grace of married life ...'
The Friars, Aylesford
Saturday, 30th May 2009
Brilliant sunshine contributed to the occasion at Aylesford on Saturday, 30th May 2009, when Archbishop Kevin presided at the annual diocesan Mass to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage.
He had invited 256 couples from the diocese who are celebrating significant anniversaries of their weddings this year. These, together with their families and friends, attended the Mass in the open-air church, restored on the site of the original 13th century church of the Carmelite Priory.
Our congratulations and prayers go to all those who have given witness to the sanctity of marriage:
| Diamond Wedding Anniversaries (60+ years) | 15 couples |
| Golden Wedding Anniversaries (50 years) | 65 couples |
| Ruby Wedding Anniversaries (40 years) | 70 couples |
| Silver Wedding Anniversaries (25 years) | 52 couples |
| Tin Wedding Anniversaries (10 years) | 33 couples |
| Paper Wedding Anniversaries (1 year) | 21 couples |
Ad multos annos!
512 jubilarians ... celebrating over 17,000 years (at two per couple).
Among those who have been married for over sixty years, special good wishes go
to Mr and Mrs Cheesbrough from the Isle of Sheppey, who celebrate their 67th
Anniversary, and Mr and Mrs Winter from Gravesend, who celebrate their 65th
Anniversary this year.
The largest contingent this year came from St Francis Parish, Maidstone - 15 couples.
Most of the musicians came from St Edmund of Canterbury Parish, Beckenham, with a few from St William of York Parish, Forest Hill. The Scouts also came from Forest Hill. The servers came from St Columba Parish, Selsdon.
Archbishop Kevin with the Prior, Fr Brendan Grady OCarm before Mass
The musicians
Renewal of Marriage Vows
Young musicians witness the renewal of vows
Procession with the gifts
The Blessing
The Recessional
Archbishop Kevin with Golden jubilarians
In the sacristy corridor after Mass
Archbishop Kevin with Fr Michael Adams and his brother and
sister-in-law who are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary
Archbishop Kevin with Deacon Roger Evans and his wife, Maureen
Fr Joe Chalmers OCarm with Fr Gary Dyer
Fr Gary Dyer with his parents from Beckenham who are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary
Archbishop Kevin with Mr and Mrs Cheesbrough from the Isle of Sheppey celebrating 67 years of marriage
Archbishop Kevin with Fr Brendan Grady, Fr Joe Chalmers and Fr Paul de Groot OCarm