Couples mark major marriage milestones at Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa

CTV’s Katelyn Wilson speaks with couples who renewed their marriage vows and marked major milestones at Notre Dame Cathedral.

What’s the secret to a long and lasting marriage? For dozens of couples in Ottawa, it comes down to faith, love and for some, a promise made decades ago.

On Sunday, couples gathered inside the historic Notre Dame Cathedral to renew their commitments and celebrate milestones, from five years of marriage, to sixty.

“It’s like celebrating small victories or big victories if you can say that,” said Don Del Castillo with the Couples for Christ Ottawa Chapter.

“We are really focusing on strong marriages that trickles down to strong families.”

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass honours lasting love. For some couples, the secret to a long marriage is simple.

“Communication is a big thing,” said Keith and Peggy Doucette, who are celebrating 40 years of marriage.

“Growing together,” said another couple Alice and Ben Candy, who are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary.

The day brought back memories for many couples walking into the church not in tuxedos and gowns, but hand-in-hand, surrounded by children and grandchildren.

Keith Doucette recalled the diary entry he wrote after his very first date with Peggy.

“It just said, ‘I thank God for crossing our paths’ and I knew in my heart that this is the woman I was going to marry,” he said.

For the Candy’s, it’s stories like it that show what’s possible.

“It’s encouraging to be around other couples who’ve been together for so long to see that they’re still happy and in love,” said Alice Candy.

For those just starting out, the advice from those celebrating 60 years, like Eleanor and Peter Lecours, is simple.

“Just have respect for each other. That’s the best thing you can do [and] show some care,” Eleanor Lecours said.