February 14, 2007
Couples who were married at historic St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica can celebrate St. Valentine's Day a few days late with a special event. The Cathedral is using St. Valentine's Day to announce its plan for a special celebration set for this Saturday, February 17, 2007. The celebration will begin with a Jubilee Year Marriage Mass at 4 p.m. The Pontifical Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD. Couples will have an opportunity to renew their marriage vows and the Mass will also include Pontifical prayers for deceased spouses. A Cana Wedding wine reception will be held following the Mass.
All those who have been married at the Cathedral are being asked to attend. St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica is searching for the longest living, sacramantally married couple who were wed at the Cathedral.
"The marriage and the family constitute one of the most precious human values," said Father Jerry McGrath, rector of the Cathedral Basilica. "It forms an intimate partnership of life and love established by the Creator." Father McGrath added that the Jubilee Marriage Mass is an excellent opportunity to spiritually strengthen those who have been called to the vocation of marriage.
The Jubilee Year Marriage Mass is just one of several events celebrating the Catholic Diocese Jubilee Year which marks major milestones in the history of Catholics in Southeast Texas. This Jubilee Year event mirrors World Marriage Day which was celebrated on Feb. 11 and affirms the postivie impact faithful marriages have on family life, the Church and the community. The Cana wine reception will recall Jesus' attendace at the wedding feast of a young couple in the town of Cana. For more information on the event, couples can call the Cathedral Basilica at 409.833.6433.