Hundreds of people gathered at St Chad’s Cathedral to celebrate love, faith and commitment at the annual Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage.

More than 40 couples marking significant anniversaries in 2026 came together at the Diocesan Mother Church on Saturday 2 May with their family and friends. The longest marriage celebrated on the day spanned 63 years, while the newest marked just one year, reflecting the wide richness of married life within the diocese. One couple preparing to be married later this year were also among those present.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Richard Walker and the music was led by Paul Carr and Ed Harrison.

In his homily, Bishop Richard spoke of the “decades – even centuries – of lived-out promise” represented in the cathedral, describing marriage as a visible sign of God’s faithful love. Reflecting on the Gospel reading from St John, he reminded couples that in the Sacrament of Matrimony they are called to show others something of God’s own love through patience, forgiveness and self-giving.

Acknowledging the real challenges of married life, Bishop Richard emphasised that marriage is not sustained by human effort alone. Quoting St John Paul II, he spoke of the Holy Spirit being “poured forth” in the sacrament of marriage, giving couples a “new heart” and the grace to love as Christ loves; faithfully, generously and to the end. He encouraged couples to continue asking God for the strength to see and love their spouse as God sees them, describing this daily faithfulness as one of the Church’s quiet miracles.

The commemorative booklet lists all couples celebrating milestone anniversaries this year and was shared with those attending.

During the Mass, couples were invited to take part in the Renewal of Commitment, reaffirming the promises they made on their wedding day and receiving a special blessing. The moment was a moving reminder of marriage as both a personal vocation and a shared mission within the life of the Church.

The Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage is held each year as a chance to celebrate, support and give thanks for married couples across the Archdiocese, recognising the vital witness they offer to lifelong love and faithfulness.

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