YOUNGSTOWN — Saying it was a very special first for him, Bishop David Bonnar led a special Mass today celebrating the wedding anniversaries of 135 couples honored for a total of 6,565 years of married life ranging from 25 to 70 years.

Among the special honorees at the celebration at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown for 70 years of marriage each were John and Mary Theresa Gabriele of Poland, parishioners of Christ Our Savior Parish, Struthers, and John and Marion Anderson of Cortland, parishioners of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Cortland.

Bonnar, bishop since January, said this was the first time he led the special marriage recognition event.

“Over the last five months that I have been bishop, I have had a lot of firsts this year. This is a very special first for me and a joyous occasion celebrating your love for one another at this wedding anniversary Mass,” Bonnar said.

The Andersons and the Gabrieles, who were all in the front pew, stood when introduced by Bonnar for a round of applause from the more than 135 couples and other guests marking their wedding milestones.

Also recognized were parents of priests who were among those marking milestone anniversaries.

“With anything in life, it takes time. Too often people want it all immediately. Love takes time. Marriage takes time. Family takes time. Growth takes time. As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day,” Bonnar said.

Read more in Monday’s VIndicator.