LEWISTON – Thirty-one couples in Holy Family Parish celebrated World Marriage Day on Feb. 12. Any couple with a significant anniversary in 2006 (25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65 and over) were invited to register.

As each couple entered the church, they were presented a corsage and escorted to their specially-reserved pew. After the homily (which included reflections on the qualities found in a sacramental marriage,) Lise Schultz, Parish Council president, introduced each couple, noting how many years of married life they had shared.

The longest married were Joseph and Alphena Richard, who was celebrating their 70th anniversary. Combined total for the 31 couples was 1,340 years.

The Rev. Claude Gendreau, church administrator, performed a ceremony, inviting all couples to renew their vows on the steps to the sanctuary in front of family members, friends and parishioners.

After the couples renewed their vows, he turned to the remainder of the parish and asked all married couples to stand to renew their vows.

After the Mass, the couples, family members and friends were invited to the parish hall where a sit-down catered lunch was served with anniversary cake.

Each couple received a gift that was donated by parishioners and local area businesses. In addition, the couples received photos taken by Ronald Poulin during the ceremony, with the anniversary cake and with family members.