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Over 1,300 years of marriage were celebrated on Saturday as couples from across the Diocese gathered at Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church in Eastbourne to renew their wedding vows. Many were celebrating very significant anniversaries - one of over 70 years, others of more personal significance to themselves. Two couples celebrated the actual date of their wedding and were invited to bring up the offertory and to cut the cake. Speaking about the occasion one attendee said:

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"Celebrating with so many other couples makes you realise how blessed we are. Marriage is such a great adventure and we really appreciate the opportunity to renew our vows."

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Bishop Richard presided at the Mass with Canon Paul Jennings and Fr Kevin Dring concelebrating, the liturgy was beautiful with Paul Inwood on the organ supported by members of the Eastbourne choir Speaking on Saturday our Marriage and Family Life Adviser Katherine Bergin said:

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"This annual event is always truly joyful. The vocation to marriage is so important in the life of those who experience it, but also in the life of the Church. It is through marriage that the Domestic Church of the home is nurtured and fostered, and faith shared and passed on. We try to make the event truly memorable for the couples and they all enjoy the beautiful liturgy and meeting the Bishop. Next year we will return to Arundel Cathedral for the celebration – anyone celebrating an anniversary that is particularly meaningful to them is very welcome to join us."

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Our Anniversary Mass couples enjoyed a wonderful welcome from Eastbourne parishioners - many thanks to all those who contributed to the day and provided a lovely reception.