In the reading from scripture most often heard at weddings (1 Corinthians 13:4-13), Saint Paul reminds us that after all things pass away, only three spiritual gifts remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love. Whether we live long lives or short lives, happy lives or unhappy lives, public lives or very private lives, what remains is whatever love that we have received and shared with others.

Much has happened during the past five decades. Moon landings. Woodstock. Watergate. Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Sesame Street. The Beatles. Madonna. The collapse of communism. The United States military creates the internet. A bank in England invents the first automated teller machine (ATM). And a young couple from Água de Pau on São Miguel in the Azores meets, marries, and begins to raise a family that eventually includes three children and three grandchildren.

Much has happened during the past fifty years. What remains? In politics, it seems that what goes around, comes around. Some things never change. Moon landings were replaced by the space shuttle which was replaced by the international space station. The Beatles broke up. Madonna sings on (but she’s still always running late for concerts). Sesame Street is still being broadcast, but Mr. Rogers has passed into a new, more heavenly neighborhood. The internet now seems like the focus of our lives. ATMs are still around, but more and more of us are banking with smart phones.

So much has changed. But what remains? What remains steadfast is the love and marriage of my parents, Jorge and Inez. Over the course of five decades, they immigrated to the United States, became citizens, and struggled each and every day to ensure that my brother and sister and me would grow up to enjoy a better life. They came here with almost nothing except their faith and their love for each other. They worked hard, so very hard, day in and day out. They never complained. They bought a home, raised a family, and took such good care of us. They relied only on God and each other.

These days, my dad is more quiet than before. He now prays more than he speaks. He remains faithful, loyal, and hardworking. He continues to lead by example and to sacrifice for his family. He continues to love his children and adore his grandchildren. My dad may never fully understand how much we love him, respect him, and appreciate all that he has accomplished or all that he has done for us. My dad is a holy man, a quiet hero, and a man at peace with a life lived so very well.

These days, my mom is as alive and spirited as ever. She fills every room with energy, love, and song. She remains caring, doting, and sometimes even a bit bossy. She loves her family and friends with a devoted love, a fierce love, a mother’s love. She knows each of us so well. She reads our moods, oursilences, and our thoughts sometimes better than we do. My mom is the center of our lives. She is our conscience, our light, and our north star. We cannot begin to fathom our world without her.

After so many years together, my parents have seen their children leave home and live their own lives. They have settled into retirement. They travel sometimes. They help raise their grandchildren and grand-nieces and nephews. They help out in their home parish. They attend Mass every day. So much has changed, but one thing remains. What always remains for them is love. What remains is a love that has survived the test of time; a love that will endure any heartbreak; a love that will outlast every last heartbeat. As they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary, please join me in a prayer of deepest thanksgiving for my parents, Jorge and Maria Achadinha! Happy Anniversary!

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (11-3-19) 
Bringing Home the Word (11-3-19) 
Learn More: Keys to a Sacramental Marriage

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