ABSECON – Yvonne and William Turner may have first met at McCrory’s five and dime in Atlantic City, but what they ultimately found in that summer of 1948 was priceless.
“I’ve been fortunate to celebrate 73 years of marriage,” William Turner said. “The Lord’s been good to us.”
The two were 14 when they met as employees of the retail store. After a first date on the boardwalk, “it went from there,” Yvonne Turner said with a smile.
Since marrying at the old Saint Peter’s Church in Pleasantville in 1952, “Every day has been heaven,” her husband said.
The Turners – who have four children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren – were among those to gather Nov. 16 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish for the annual diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass.
The parishioners of Saint Thomas More, Cherry Hill, joined 48 other couples from across the Diocese – marking 25, 50, 60, 70 and 70-plus years of union.
“All God’s works are wonderful, and I’m looking at His wonderful works right before my eyes,” Bishop Joseph Williams said as he celebrated the liturgy.
Concelebrating with Bishop Williams were Father Cosme de la Peña and Father Christopher Bakey, parish pastor and parish parochial vicar, respectively; Father Stephen Rapposelli, pastor of Church of the Incarnation, Mantua; and Father Joshua Nevitt, master of ceremonies for major diocesan liturgies. Parish Deacons Frank Cerullo and Richard Wigglesworth assisted.
Calling the occasion “one of the most joyful Masses of the year,” Bishop Williams thanked the couples for their perseverance to love and commitment.
“What a gift that is for your children and grandchildren to see that true love is possible,” he said, noting how the enemy and society try to “tear up the family.”
“That’s what at stake in marriage: whether the world, or your children in particular, will believe in true love.”
During the liturgy, all of the couples renewed their wedding vows, and Bishop Williams offered a blessing of their rings. Afterward, the 49 couples – joined by their families, friends and clergy – enjoyed refreshments in the parish hall.
One of those witnessing the impact of love was 19-year-old Marie Morales of the Parish of Saint Monica in Atlantic City. Her parents, Ximena and Christopher, have been married for 25 years.
“It’s been a blessing to see their love and support for one another,” she said. “Their faith has built their relationship.”
Ximena and Christopher Morales met in their native Ecuador and married in the capital city of Quito on Jan. 5, 2000, before making their home in Atlantic City shortly thereafter. They have two children.
“God is always at the center; we keep Him in our hearts,” Ximena Morales said. “We go to Mass every Sunday. Our children see our love in action and our devotion to God. We want to be the best examples for them.”
The two are also devoted catechists at their parish. “We’re working for God together,” Christopher Morales added.
The first interaction between Colleen and Michael McMenamin wasn’t exactly a hit, the couple recalled with a smile. The two met at a Pennsylvania dance hall in 1973.
“I thought he was a security guard at first, trying to bounce me out of there, and I tried to avoid him,” Colleen McMenamin said with a laugh.
Two years later, however, the two secured a lifetime together. Married 50 years, they now belong to Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in Haddon Township.
They are also dedicated bingo volunteers at Saint Mary’s Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Cherry Hill, and do their best to set a positive example through faith and volunteering for their two children and four grandchildren.
The secret to their 50 years of marriage? Open communication and daily walks around Camden County’s Cooper River.
“We’re walking through life together, and pray that we stay as healthy as we can and keep God in our lives,” Michael McMenamin said.
For Yvonne Turner, tips for a loving 73-year-long marriage include “always thinking of the other first, never making any important decision without asking the opinion of the other, and having faith in each other.”
Her husband, William agreed, and added one more. “The Eucharist. Jesus means life for us. He has sustained us.”
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