Story by Anthony Richards | Photos by Fran Ruchalski
Holy Matrimony is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, and it is something that is celebrated each day of a couple’s life.
However, there are certain milestone wedding anniversaries that are extra special and each year the Diocese of St. Augustine honors those couples with its annual Anniversary Celebration.
This year, Bishop Erik Pohlmeier honored roughly 160 couples in attendance celebrating as they filled the pews of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach with their long-lasting love during a Mass on Nov. 8.
Of all the registered couples for this year’s event, which surpassed 200, some of whom could not attend, Jim and Betty Wilhelm were at the top of the list, as they celebrated their 75th anniversary.
To understand the meaning of their love for one another, you do not have to go farther than asking their children, who had a front row seat to their endless love throughout the years.
“It is a beautiful story of love and respect,” said Ginger Wilhelm Moore, the couple’s oldest daughter.
Jim served in the Navy during World War II and after the war, a couple of friends introduced him to his future wife, and after dating for a couple of years, they got engaged on following midnight Mass on Christmas Eve 1949.
A little more than a year later, they were married on Feb. 4, 1950, at St. Theresa of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Coral Gables.
In the years since, the blessings continued as they had 10 children, 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
According to Moore, the example they set for their children resonated and some of the most valuable lessons passed down included:
- Respecting themselves and others, including the differences that make us unique.
- Following the 10 Commandments.
- Following the Golden Rule.
“We feel very blessed to have watched our parents have an absolutely amazing marriage,” Moore said. “They are each other’s best friend, so when situations are tough or sad, they always have their best friend right beside them for support and comfort.”
As can be seen from the valuable lessons passed down, their love for each other was second to the love and faith they have in God, which Moore described as “immeasurable.”
“Our parents taught us to always be thankful and to say the Our Father whenever there is a crisis or anxious moment in life,” Moore said. “They always go to sleep holding their rosary with an extra one or two more on their nightstands.”
That dedication to faith was something very common throughout the couples that attended the Anniversary Celebration, and they are each shining examples of true love and how faith in God is its foundation.
Each couple received a blessing from Bishop Pohlmeier and had the opportunity to meet and take their photos with him after Mass.
Couples celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries in 2025 who were unable to attend the ceremony can still receive a commemorative certificate through the end of the year.
Contact the Office of Family Life at familylife@dosafl.com or visit the Anniversary Celebration page https://dosafl.com/office-of-family-life/anniversary-celebration/ to request a certificate of for more information.
