St. Valentine weaves his magic spell in a ceremony full of love Clonmel couples renew their marriage vows
Carmel Hayes
Love was most definitely in the air in Clonmel on St. Valentine's Day, as couples young and old gathered to renew their marriage vows.
Even the most cynical could not fail to be moved as men and women, some of whom have been together for more than 60 years, publicly confirmed their love for each other before a large and joyful congregation.
The special St. Valentine's Mass at 12.30pm in Ss. Peter and Paul's Church on Sunday was filled with emotion, as almost 70 couples joined hands and acknowledged the bond that has transcended all the sorrows and challenges that human life brings.
Special ceremonies, including the renewal of marriage vows, were also held at the Church of the Resurrection and The Friary to mark the Feast of St. Valentine.
It was a happy coincidence for the bicentennial committee of Ss. Peter and Paul's Church that St. Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday for the first time in several years. It was the perfect occasion to invite couples from far and near to join in a unique celebration of their love and commitment, as part of the bicentennial celebrations.
The 200-year-old church, which opened in 1810 and was upgraded in the 1930s, has borne witness to thousands of wedding ceremonies during its rich history.
In 1960 alone, 47 couples walked down the aisle at the magnificent church in Gladstone Street. Some of those couples, who are celebrating their golden wedding anniversaries this year, returned to the church on Sunday for a ceremony that had very special meaning.
Among them were Frank and Joan Kelly (ne Dwan) from Pearse Park in Clonmel, who joyfully returned to the altar to renew the vows they had exchanged a full half-century ago.
Also celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year are John and Maureen McNamara from Shamrock Hill, Clonmel, who were married in Cashel on September 14, 1960, and who renewed their vows at St. Peter and Paul's Church on Sunday.
"In this day and age, it is hard not to be cynical about many things but this was a wonderful day which had great meaning for so many people," said Maureen, who is a member of the parish's bicentennial committee.
Other happy couples included Michael and Mary Murphy from Brighton Place, Lorraine and Stuart Wootten from Knocklofty, who celebrate their silver wedding anniversary this year, and Billy and Louie McKenna of Staunton Row, who were married in Ss. Peter and Paul's Church 55 years ago.
The St. Valentine's Mass, celebrated by Fr. Ray Reidy, carried the theme of love throughout the readings, sermon and prayers of the faithful. Glorious music was provided by singer Siobhan Hennessy and organist Damien Casey, with appropriate hymns that included 'Love is His Word' and 'Take my Hand'. Two parish wedding registers, dating back almost 70 years, were carried to the altar during the offertory procession and moving prayers were read by Brid Green and Marie McMahon.
Couples who renewed their marriage vows at the Ss. Peter and Paul's ceremonies will especially treasure commemorative scrolls that were prepared by the bicentennial committee.
The individualised signed scrolls, bearing an image of St. Valentine and dated February 14, 2010, include the inscription: "Today we renew that solemn promise to love each other for ever. We thank you for the many blessings we received in our family over the years, not least your forgiveness for our failures to you and to each other. We ask for your continued blessing on our love. Help us to protect it and make it grow stronger. Continue to help us in years ahead."
Two of the town's other churches also marked the day with special ceremonies. The Friary was beautifully decorated for the occasion and Fr. John Harty gave a memorable sermon on the theme of love and its meaning.
The St. Valentine's Day ceremonies were not only for married people but for couples "at all stages of their romantic journey", whether married, engaged or otherwise. There were also prayers of remembrance for those who had sadly lost a partner through
bereavement, separation or divorce.
Tom Pollard, chairman of the Ss. Peter and Paul's bicentennial committee, said everyone was delighted with the success of the day, which concluded with enjoyable festivities attended by about 120 people at Hotel Minella.
"It was a great occasion and a really wonderful experience for everyone involved," he said. "It was about the parish recognising what is important in the lives of its people and it was certainly a day to remember."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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