Ida and Joseph Musumeci stand outside the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia after renewing their vows during the annual archdiocesan wedding anniversary Mass on May 2. The couple marked 40 years of marriage in the same church where they were married in 1986. (Photo by Sue Denny)

By Sue Denny • Posted May 8, 2026

Auxiliary Bishop Efren Esmilla knows something about lasting love—his parents were married just shy of 70 years before their passing. A witness to their lifelong commitment, he was an ideal celebrant for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s wedding anniversary Mass.

The annual Mass that he celebrated Saturday, May 2 highlighted the sacrament of marriage and  the spiritual and communal aspects of married life.

All engaged and married couples in the archdiocese, especially those celebrating milestone anniversaries, were invited to attend.

(See Scenes From the Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass)

More than 100 couples along with family, friends, and parishioners filled the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Center City for the occasion.

In his homily, Bishop Esmilla described qualities he believes are essential to married life. Spouses need to show humility and empathy, to ask for forgiveness and to forgive, to be accepting, and to listen attentively.

The bishop asked congregants questions throughout his sermon, including: What’s the first and last letters of the word heart? Removing h and t results in “Ear,” he answered. “In married life, you’ve learned you must have a listening ear.”

Among those attending the Mass were Maureen and John Vendetti of Philadelphia’s Mayfair section, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary on Sept. 25. Only 6-8% of married couples in the U.S. reach their golden anniversary, according to census data.

Their half-century marriage has been rough over the years, John Vendetti said candidly. His wife was equally honest. “There were good times and bad times,” she said. “But we got through it.”

How? “Having each other to depend on,” replied Maureen. “Having each other to lean on.”

The Vendettis have three children and three grandchildren, and several joined them for the anniversary Mass.

“They set a great example for us—showing love and staying married,” said their daughter Janine Huczko of Warminster. Married 10 years, she and her husband, Ryan, have two sons.

While a handful of young married couples attended the Mass, the majority were marking anniversaries of 40 years or more. A couple celebrating 60 years sat in a designated place of honor in the first pew.

“I’ve always enjoyed weddings but enjoy wedding anniversaries even more,” Bishop Esmilla told congregants. They are a testament to unions that have been “proven and tested” over time.

Lauren and Stephen Mongiardo pose with their son, Gianluco, outside the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul after attending the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s annual wedding anniversary Mass. The couple, members of St. Andrew Parish in Newtown, will mark their fifth wedding anniversary later this year. (Photo by Sue Denny)

Lauren and Stephen Mongiardo were grief-stricken when Lauren suffered a stillbirth at 37 weeks. When people ask how they coped with the devastating loss of their son, Frankie, she said they found strength and comfort in their faith and in each other. Their fifth anniversary is on Oct. 29.

Members of St. Andrew Parish in Newtown, they visited the cathedral together for the first time on Saturday. “This is important for our marriage,” Lauren Mongiardo said.

As they do every weekend, the couple brought their 2-year-old son, Gianluco, with them to Mass. He already has learned how to make the sign of the cross, his father said proudly.

While Lauren Mongiardo is a lifelong Catholic, Stephen converted to Catholicism in 2016, years before they wed. “It was the Eucharist that called me,” he said.

Maggie and Wayne Phillips’ wedding took place 40 years ago on July 26. Standing on the steps of the towering brownstone, Maggie Phillips said the couple came to the cathedral “to celebrate something in today’s world that is pretty special.” She was looking forward to their renewal of vows.

Joseph Musumeci’s shoes, first worn on his wedding day 40 years ago, are pictured outside the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul as he and his wife, Ida, renewed their vows. (Photo by Sue Denny)

Ida Musumeci of Penn Valley in Lower Merion Township said she cried as she recited her vows, just as she had 40 years earlier on April 19, 1986 in the very same church.

“I couldn’t look at him,” she said of her husband, Joseph. She had donned a cream-colored lace dress, matching coat, and hat; he wore a suit and the same shoes he wore on their wedding day—and every special occasion since.

Bishop Esmilla wished all the couples a wonderful honeymoon. “But be thankful to God for all the love he has given you,” he added.

“Hopefully, you will always be together in life, death, and forever,” the bishop said. His own parents passed away seven days apart, shortly before reaching their platinum anniversary.