On Sunday, February 12, 2006, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. It was an important event, but my father is not the sort of person who likes to have a public fuss made over him.  After speaking with our priest, father Paul, it was decided to have a small blessing ceremony after mass.

Imagine our surprise when, near the end of mass, Father Paul announced to the entire congregation that it was Nick and Sonia’s 50th anniversary, and they would have the blessing done during mass.  Mom and Dad went to the front of the church, with the grandkids by their side, and the blessing was performed. It was much more involved than we’d anticipated, but quite moving.