ESCONDIDO — Long before the Diocesan Marriage Anniversary Mass was to begin, couples of all ages and cultures began arriving at the Church of the Resurrection.
At a photo station decorated with red hearts, they lined up to take a photo they could customize with the number of years they had been married.
More than 1,000 people attended the sixth annual Mass, held on Valentine’s Day, celebrated by Bishop Michael Pham. In his homily, he shared “the three Cs” needed to nurture a lasting marriage: communication, commitment and community.
At one point, the couples stood as the corresponding number of years they had been married was announced: newlyweds to 10 years, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and beyond.
At another moment, the couples looked into each other’s eyes and renewed their wedding vows, their words of love in English, Spanish and Vietnamese echoing across the packed rows.
See photo gallery at southerncross.org/2026marriage.
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