SCRANTON – A total of 172 married couples from 69 parishes across the Diocese of Scranton gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Sunday, June 28, 2026, for the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass which honors couples marking milestone anniversaries.

The liturgy was celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, on the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time and included couples celebrating 10, 25, 40 and 50 years of marriage and beyond.

In all, the couples attending the Mass signified 6,580 years of married life.

In his homily, Bishop Bambera reflected on the Sunday Gospel from Saint Matthew, acknowledging that Jesus’ words about the demands of discipleship might initially seem surprising in the context of a celebration of marriage.

He noted, however, that authentic discipleship is rooted in selfless love, sacrifice and perseverance. Those are all qualities that also define a faithful married life.

“Your marriage has endured not because the years have been perfect, but because you have come to see marriage as part of something much bigger than yourselves,” Bishop Bambera said, pointing to the “mystery of God’s love discovered in your lives together.”

He encouraged all couples to recognize both the struggles and blessings that shape their vocation, and to see “the face of God abiding within the heart of the one you love.”

Following the homily, couples renewed their marriage vows and at the conclusion of the Mass, a reception followed the Mass at the Diocesan Pastoral Center across the street from the Cathedral.

Among those celebrating their 10th anniversary were Thomas (T.J.) and Christina Masteller of Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top, who reflected on the grace they have experienced in their marriage.

“There is so much grace in celebrating the sacrament,” Christina said. “We know that there is strength in that, and Lord knows you need that in a marriage.”

Her husband added that forgiveness is essential.

“There are going to be ups and downs and trials,” Thomas added. “Nothing is easy, but being able to forgive one another is the most important piece.”

John Gablonski and Rita Ives of Saint Faustina Kowalska Parish in Nanticoke, who are also marking 10 years, spoke of the gift of finding one another later in life.

“We’re actually second marriages. We’re both widows and just the fact that we met each other and we’re able to be together in marriage is a great gift for us,” Rita said. “I never thought that we’d celebrate any type of milestone anniversary.”

“It was a pleasure to be able to do this,” John added. “It was very spiritual. It was amazing.”

Celebrating 25 years of marriage, Katherine and Diego Pelaez of Saint Luke Parish in Stroudsburg emphasized faith and communication as the secrets to a happy marriage.

“To have Christ first in your marriage,” Katherine said.

Diego added, “Having God in the center of our life, in the center of our lives basically to keep us together, along with communication, quick forgiveness and compromise.”

Those were very similar sentiments shared by Bishop Bambera, who indicated that marriage is sustained through faith, forgiveness and the daily decision to love selflessly.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV, the Bishop reminded couples that “Marriage is not an ideal … but the measure of true love between a man and a woman.”