Diocesan Mass honors longest married couples

Their love is based on the love of God, a commitment to their faith they passed on to their children.

For nearly seven decades Dr. Frank and Carolyn DePaula have let their marriage be an example for others, to live a life that shows the joy of having Christ’s presence alive in the sacrament of matrimony.

The DePaulas were one of 18 couples married 65 years or longer honored during the 25th, 50th, 65th and over Wedding Anniversary Mass sponsored by the Office of Marriage & Family Life of the Diocese of Baton Rouge at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. The Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Michael G. Duca, honored more than 100 couples married 25, 50 and 65 years and longer.

When asked to explain their secret, the DePaulas said their marriage is based on “strong family values based on knowledge of God’s love and commandments (and) regularly participating in church services and activities.”

Despite the chaos of raising a family, the stress of being a taxi to the kids, the pressures of sending children to a Catholic school, the DePaulas never strayed from keeping Christ as their beacon, the light to guide them through the darkest of days. They said it is important for married couples to develop strong family ties and for spouses to take the time to nurture each other.

S.J. and Nora Serio of Morganza, who have been married 72 years, were honored as the longest married couple. Bishop Duca presented the couple with a bouquet of flowers during the Mass.

Following his homily, Bishop Duca blessed the couples. After Mass, a reception was held where the couples were able to have their pictures taken with the bishop, who joyfully posed with many of those honored and their families.