WESTMONT – Hazel and Mark Marquez admit that being active members not only in their parish, but in the Deaf community of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, has strengthened their seven years of marriage.
“A big part of the relationship has been being involved in our church,” Hazel Marquez says, whether that be at Mass or taking part in social occasions.
Also key to a successful marriage, Mark Marquez adds – “communication … without it, everything falls apart. Continue to support your spouse, and keep the faith, no matter the struggles.”
The Marquezes – with sons Shane, 7, and Michael, 5, in tow – were among the couples who renewed their marriage vows at Mass on Feb. 13, the World Day of Marriage. Gathered in Holy Saviour Church, both hearing and Deaf parishioners attended Mass celebrated in American Sign Language. With an active Deaf ministry, the parish offers a Mass in ASL every Sunday.
Father Hugh Bradley, part-time director of the Diocese’s Ministry With the Deaf and Persons With Disabilities, called the day a celebration of “the beauty of the faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life.”
In such family oriented tasks as cooking, cleaning, laundry and changing diapers, couples emulate Jesus, in “caring, accepting, sacrificing for and loving each other,” he preached.
That was a message in which Scotty Busanic could relate.
“Be kind, patient, have a strong faith, continue to enjoy each other’s company, and make sure you have a lot of dates,” he said when asked the secret to his nine-year marriage to wife, Jessica.
Like the Marquez family, the Busanics – who are parents to Ben, 7, and Lainey, 4 – also spoke of the support from Father Bradley and the parish’s Deaf ministry. “I feel a connection here; this community gets me more excited about living with my faith,” he said.
As parishioners gathered in the parish hall for cake and fellowship, celebrations included not just years of wedded bliss, but those of blessed life.
Thomas Stankard and parishioners joined in signing and signing “Happy Birthday” to his wife, Wilma, as she blew out candles in advance of her 70th birthday, which was officially four days later.
The Stankards, married for eight years, were wed in a ceremony that saw the couple and guests wear pink to mark Wilma’s successful defeat of breast cancer.
“We help each other and learn from our mistakes,” Thomas Stankard said of their marriage. “It’s not important how much you make, or what you have, but your belief in God. Stay close to him, and he will help you get through.”
It is this bedrock of faith that keeps Wilma Stankard hopeful for many more years of happiness. “At least a quarter-century of marriage,” she said, smiling.
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