by Jackie Galvin, director of development and communications
March 23, 2016
When couples get married, they are filed with hope, promise, and optimism. The husband and wife agree about everything. They dote on one another, call each other “honey,” and imagine they could never be happier than they are at that moment. Then, after some time passes, the shine comes off the apple as the saying goes, and the relationship suddenly doesn’t have the luster it once had. For some couples, this is a breaking point and the partners separate. But marriage experts will tell you, this crossroad does not have to make or break a marriage. It is simply the juncture when the “wedding” ends and the “marriage” begins.
As a priest, Monsignor George R. Demuth has helped numerous couples literally bridge the gap between their wedding and their marriage. While it is certainly no easy task to accomplish, the monsignor knows from experience what it takes to hold a relationship together. After all, he just celebrated the 70th anniversary of his own marriage – to the church that is.
While some people would say you can’t really compare the relationship of spouses with that of a religious to the church, I think you can. For each to thrive and not just survive, it takes maturity, commitment, perseverance, and prayer. And those qualities are certainly ones that Monsignor Demuth has been blessed with in abundance!
Joined by family, friends, Residents, Little Sisters, brother priests, and Bishop Bambera on Sunday, March 13, Monsignor Demuth marked the 70th anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood in style.
The day began with a Mass in Monsignor’s honor in our chapel. Bishop Bambera was the main celebrant and Monsignor Demuth along with our chaplain, Father E. Francis Kelly, and Father Joseph Weber concelebrated the Mass with the bishop assisted by Deacon Ray Pieretti.
Following the Mass, Monsignor was interviewed by WBRE-TV 28 for a story about his 70th anniversary as well as his thoughts about the church and its future. After the interview, a group of family, friends, and former parishioners enjoyed a catered dinner in our main dining room. During the dinner, Monsignor expressed his deep gratitude to everyone for their support not only on this special occasion, but also throughout the last 70 years.
To finish the day, our guests enjoyed a photo slideshow broadcast on a television which showcased what Monsignor refers to as the most memorable days of his life – his ordination day and meeting Pope, now Saint, John Paul II.
To see the interview, please click here >>
Watch the slideshow below.
Until next time,
Jackie
