by Kathryn White
Special to The Leaven
LEAWOOD — Newly installed Archbishop Shawn McKnight celebrated a 50th wedding anniversary Mass for couples on June 1 at Church of the Nativity here.
It is a long-standing tradition dating back to before 2011, according to Libby DuPont, consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.
Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann concelebrated the Mass.
“Having Archbishop Emeritus Naumann there celebrating his 50th anniversary, as well as our new Archbishop McKnight, is a strong sign of the complementarity of the vocations of [holy] orders and matrimony,” said DuPont.
As the homilist, Archbishop Naumann began with a few statistics.
“A lot of things have changed since 1975,” he said. “In 1975, you could purchase a gallon of gasoline for 59 cents. The average cost of a movie ticket was a little more than $2. You could buy a new car for $3,800 and a new house for $48,000.
“On the flip side, the average annual income was $12,686, and the most popular toy was the pet rock,” he added, drawing a laugh from jubilee couples and their loved ones.
“Dear jubilarians,” Archbishop Naumann continued, “your marriage has not been for yourselves or even just for your families. Christian marriage is a call to be an icon of God’s love to the world.”
Some 80 couples were in attendance at the Mass and celebration and, with their family and friends, filled the church with around 500 participants.
“It’s a visual reminder of what Archbishop Emeritus Naumann has been fond of reminding parents: that some missionaries spread the Gospel throughout geography, but [married couples] spread it through time — down through generations,” said DuPont.
Debbie and Jon Stallbaumer from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca drove over two hours to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren joined them.
“It was an honor to be recognized for 50 years of marriage along with the many couples,” said Debbie. “The blessing from Archbishop McKnight was beautiful and very meaningful. Archbishop McKnight seems to be a friendly and pleasant person, with a ready smile.”
The afternoon wrapped up with a reception in the parish hall and optional photos of the jubilee couples with both Archbishop McKnight and Archbishop Naumann.
John and Claudia Caton from Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa enjoyed the celebration as well.
“The Mass was beautiful, and the reception was a great way to compliment the couples who made it to 50 years,” said John, an active member of the Serra Club.
“Archbishop McKnight had a quiet reverence about him,” he added. “I sense that about his presence. I look forward to his leadership.”
To view more photos from the anniversary Mass, click here.
We attended the 50th anniversary mass celebration and thought it was wonderful. The pictures that were taken at the reception of each couple with the Archbiships, did we have to sign up to have a copy sent to us or how do we receive it???