Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Bishop John Noonan will celebrate Mass for Marriage at St. James Cathedral in Orlando on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. The annual event will include a renewal of vows. One couple attending the Mass is Gissela and Jorge Cardona, who share their journey of marriage.

The Cardonas met through mutual connections and formed an immediate bond despite challenging circumstances. "We met in the middle of the recession of 2007," Gissela recalled about Jorge's difficult economic situation during that time. She appreciated his honesty: “What you see is what I have,” he told her.

Jorge valued Gissela's grounded nature and openness about their past experiences. He expressed his desire to marry and start a family, which led them to write down their hopes and ask for divine blessing. They married civilly a year later and moved to Melbourne.

Although both were baptized Catholic, Jorge was not practicing the faith initially. Over time, they attended different churches but eventually returned to Catholic Masses together after Gissela expressed her need for the Eucharist.

Facing difficulties in their marriage, they sought help from Renovación Conyugal, which improved their understanding of each other’s spiritual needs. The program deepened Jorge's appreciation for the Eucharist and emphasized mutual support in achieving salvation.

Their commitment to each other strengthened as they embraced religious teachings within their marriage. Father Juan Osorno’s guidance influenced them significantly: “Salvation is not a personal business... We are more connected than we can imagine.”

Both made promises reflecting dedication and love towards one another while prioritizing spiritual growth as individuals and as a couple. They focus on being role models for their children by keeping God central in discussions about challenges they face together.

Gissela concluded with advice for struggling couples: “When we choose to have God in the forefront... He is the inexhaustible source of love.”

For those interested in programs like Renovación Conyugal or Retrouvaille that support marriages facing challenges, further information can be found online.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, February 6, 2025