Hundreds of couples were honored during a March 14, 2026, Diocese of Venice celebration of their lasting witness to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota recognizing 277 couples, who were celebrating a combined 14,127 years of marriage, for their accomplishment which brings hope to their families, to the community, to society and to the Universal Church.
The Bishop described the couples, married 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50+ years, as both radical and countercultural, but also a true inspiration for others to follow and emulate during what he cited as one of the most uplifting Liturgies he celebrates each year because of the witness each has lived out.
“We give thanksgiving to the Lord for the graces He has given to you to live that Sacrament, day in and day out in a particular and unique way, united in Christ,” Bishop Dewane said. “My perspective is beautiful as I look out upon you all… you are beautiful not only in my eyes but in the eyes of God in the living of this Sacrament. As the strongest witnesses to faith, you are an example for younger generations to follow. Know the goodness it can be and the happiness it can give.”
The 277 couples present for the Mass were from 39 Parishes and included 39 couples who have been married 50 years. Of those couples, Brian & Karen Piech, of Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish in Bradenton, celebrated their 52nd anniversary on the day of the Mass.
The couple recognized as being present with the longest marriage was Marvin and Carol Peschel, who will celebrate 73 years on May 30. They were married in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and they currently attend St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte. The high school sweethearts raised five daughters, later welcoming nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Their advice for a long, happy marriage, “When times get tough, you don’t walk away. You work through it and pray through it.”
Other couples recognized during the Mass were Leo and Faye Heatly of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Osprey, and Roger and Arlene Trottier of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota. Both couples celebrate their 70th anniversaries in 2026.
During the Mass, the married couples renewed their wedding vows. In addition, for their participation, each couple was presented with a commemorative certificate, signed by the Bishop, for their enduring commitment to marriage. A reception followed the Mass with lunch and the opportunity to have a photo taken with the Bishop.
Masses are celebrated each year in the northern and southern sections of the Diocese of Venice to accommodate the large number of couples wanting to attend. The first Mass this year was Feb. 14 at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs, bringing together 340 couples representing a combined 17,340 years of marriage.
Happy Anniversary to the happy couples!
