Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The St. Michael Church in Jeffersontown hosted a special Mass on September 13, where 156 couples gathered to celebrate their sacramental marriages. The event recognized couples from across 41 parishes within the Archdiocese of Louisville, with participants ranging from those married for over 70 years to others marking their first anniversary.

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre addressed the congregation, emphasizing the importance of each milestone. “Every anniversary is significant, no matter its number,” he said. He also acknowledged the couples’ ongoing commitment: “Your ongoing commitment to your vows as the channels of God’s grace into each other’s lives, for as long as you both shall live, is something truly worth celebrating.”

During the liturgy, couples renewed their vows and those reaching milestone anniversaries received certificates commemorating their years together. Archbishop Fabre encouraged reflection on wedding days and spoke about enduring through challenges and joys: “That day — the wedding day — was filled with grace that was meant to last a lifetime,” he said. “And as you journey through life together and come to various anniversaries of that day, the memories of that day can strengthen you in difficult times and make the joyful times all the more sweet.”

He expressed gratitude for their example: “To those of you in the sacrament of marriage, the church thanks you for persevering in your sacramental love, mirroring Christ’s steadfast love of his church, and shining forth as a beacon of the grace and gifts that are available through the sacrament of marriage.”

Among those present were Leo and Leslie Orthober from St. Michael Church, who celebrated 63 years of marriage this year. They shared how they met as teenagers and faced early challenges before marrying at ages 20 and 18. Leslie Orthober recalled initially turning down Leo’s proposals multiple times while she considered religious life. After Leo moved to Alaska for military service, Leslie realized her desire to marry him but then had to convince him.

“I had to ask him three times. Of course, he’d asked me 10!” she said with a laugh. “It was the best thing I could have ever done.”

Their marriage included frequent moves during Leo’s Air Force career and personal hardships such as losing their oldest daughter to cancer at age six.

But “God has been with us,” Leslie said, noting faith helped them endure difficulties. She added that their greatest joy has been sharing life together and raising children.