Each year, Our Lady of Light hosts an Anniversary Dinner to celebrate couples in our family of parishes who have been married for 25, 30, 40, 50+ years with a celebration of the Mass with a complimentary dinner following. Among the 70+ couples who RSVPd this year, the longest married couple in attendance has been happily married for 66 years!

Our seasoned couples have gone through many trials and triumphs. What they have experienced in life serve as inspiration for all, especially newer couples who have only just begun their lives together. We asked those who were registered for the event if they had any advice to share, and their thoughtful answers showcased just how beautiful marriage is when Christ is at the center. Here is what they had to say:

Daniel and Mary Beth Hutcheson, married 55 years

• Keep your family small and close to you (we had four children, but came from families of nine or six children).
• Family comes first.
• Life is a journey – be a loving servant to one another.

Ben and Brenda Carter, married 25 years

• ​​Expect the unexpected. Life throws crazy curveballs sometimes that can truly test our strength and faith. It is during these most challenging times that we need to lean into each other and God to carry us through.

​Richard and Carolyn Bradfield, married 65 years

• Remembering our wedding vows from the day of marriage: To have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, until death do us part. We encountered every one of these circumstances during our 65 years other than one of our deaths. We did experience the death of our 38 year old special needs son some years ago. It is our love that grew and matured that enabled us to meet all situations.  A very special day is our Anniversary when my husband gives me one red rose for every year that we have been married; it began with one on our first anniversary and will be 65 on August 20.  Thanks be to God.

Jordan and Patricia Vangel, married for 25 years

• Never go to bed mad with each other.

Jerry and Bette Kronenberg, married 50 years

• Marriage is give and take but it works really well if you give more than you take with kindness. Don't keep score of who do what or who does more. Enjoy each and every day. 

Bill and Linda Simonton, married 55 years

• I would tell them that it seems that it can't have already been 55 years. Cherish each other. (And keep a diary!)

Gary and Carol Vance, married 56 years

• Try to develop patience and perseverance in your marriage. Remember your sacramental vows in the hard times.

By Matthew Himes

At the end of July, directly after a packed yet incredibly fulfilling week of fun with our high school teens at Life Teen’s Camp Covecrest in Tiger, Georgia, I got on a plane to fly directly to Rome. I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend eight days in Rome to participate in the Jubilee of Young Adults with a group of over twenty other young adults coming from various Marianist backgrounds from across the United States – primarily from the University of Dayton as well as from the San Antonio and Honolulu areas.

This Jubilee of Young Adults was a part of the 2025 “Pilgrims of Hope” Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis in December, and it gathered over one million young adults from across the world to have an opportunity to have dialogue with one another and participate in Vatican programming together for the Jubilee. Above all, this experience instilled a vibrant hope in my life - both a personal hope as I continue to navigate my own spiritual life and my own future beyond my undergraduate studies at the University of Dayton, but also an immensely increased sense of hope for the future of the Catholic Church and the active role that we as young people are called to play in it.

Some highlights of the Jubilee programming included a group pilgrimage into St. Peter’s basilica, an opening Mass in St. Peter’s square, and a Sunday Mass with over one million people from across the world celebrated by Pope Leo XIV. In addition to this Jubilee programming, our group also had the wonderful opportunities to explore the city of Assisi, visit many cultural and spiritual sites around Rome, and gather as a group of over 200 Marianist young adults from across the world to share our own experiences with one another and grow in understanding of the Maranists in a global context. Having the opportunity to share in all this Jubilee with others from around the world is an experience that I will truly cherish for the rest of my life. Despite individuals coming from different places with varying languages, cultures, and backgrounds, there was an overwhelming sense of unity amongst all gathered because of the faith we hold in common. This unity brings me hope for the future of our greater Church community but also for our own parish community here at Our Lady of Light.

​As we as staff and parishioners continue to strive for community that is rooted in hospitality and love at Our Lady of Light, my time in Rome will continue to act as a beacon of hope that unity is possible, and each of us has an active role to play in it.

On August 22, 1983 - my 23rd birthday - Monsignor Gilligan gave a young, newly married father the opportunity of a lifetime: a job with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati at St. Henry's Catholic Parish. That decision forever changed the course of my life. At St. Henry's, I was blessed to meet two of my life long best friends, Father Stretch and Sister Joanne, that became as close as family to me over the years. I started out as a custodian, but over the years I grew into a myriad of different roles. I developed new skills and, more importantly, lifelong relationships.

In 2001, Father Stretch invited me to move with him to Incarnation. It was a big leap — new people, new responsibilities, and new opportunities. From day one, I was met with support, kindness, and a true sense of community. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work alongside so many amazing people at Incarnation over the years.

There have been countless memorable moments - too many to list - but some are forever etched in my heart. One of the most profound blessings was the ability to care for my beautiful wife after her diagnosis with MS in the early 2000s. Working at Incarnation gave me the flexibility and support to be by her side each day. I will always be grateful for that time, and for the fact that we were able to hold her funeral in this very church - surrounded by the most caring parishioners, staff, and students in the world.

I'll never forget those long days of snowplowing-cold, tiring, and seemingly endless at times. But what truly stood out to me was the incredible kindness of our principal, caring parishioners, and dedicated staff members. They made sure I had everything I needed-from hot coffee to sandwiches-and their support meant more than they probably realize. It truly takes a small village to keep me going, and I'm deeply grateful for every act of kindness along the way.

Some of my favorite memories are tied to the traditions of our faith. I especially love the Christmas Eve and Easter Masses, which I attend with my granddaughter Sarah. At several Easter masses, I've been tasked with building the Easter fire - something I take great pride in getting "just right."

One of the greatest joys of working at Incarnation has been riding to school with my grandchildren. Since they were born eight years apart, I've had nearly 15 years of shared morning drives — truly a gift I'll always treasure.

The first week of school has always been my favorite time of year. After a busy summer of preparation, seeing the smiles on the students' faces and feeling the energy of the staff makes all the hard work worthwhile. It's a time of new beginnings, and I've always loved being part of it.

Working for the Church - and specifically at Incarnation — has deepened my faith and inspired me to strive to be the best version of myself. It's been more than a job; it's been a ministry.

As I step into retirement, I look forward to using my time and talents to help others — especially seniors who may need assistance with home modifications to live more safely and independently. I've seen firsthand how small changes can make a big difference, and I want to be part of that help. I also plan to travel, spend time with my girlfriend Lisa, my wonderful dog Tucker, and enjoy the company of those I love. Thank you, Incarnation Family, for a lifetime of memories, friendships, and faith. I am deeply grateful.

With heartfelt gratitude,
​Rob Theewis

​For a reason we don't know, God is three persons who have an eternal relationship with each other.  Jesus shows us the Father by praying to Him and, and the Holy Spirit by sending Him at Pentecost.  
 
God the Father creates, God the Son redeems, God the Holy Spirit sanctifies.  This is God's mission: redeem His creation when we sinned and to make us holy.
 
We continue the work of God by loving as God does as disciples.  
 
To do this, God brings us into His family.  The sharing of his love begins with our baptism.  We are baptized "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."  .
 
In our life. we come to know the love of the God through the love of our parents first.  Our fathers teach us God the Father's love.  Our mother's love teaches us our Blessed Mother's love, the Queen of Heaven and Mother to all of us.  The home we have here, prepares for the dwelling of God forever.
 
Parents help their children know the love of God by how they love their children.  Said another way, children learn the love of God by the love they receive from their parents.  
 
This means that the family becomes the image of God love.  Father, Mother, and children reflect the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  God has chosen the sacrament of marriage and the family to be the reflection of his love in the world.  
 
The Love of God is at the very center of our life.  St. Paul reminds us these qualities of love in the letter to the Corinthians:

Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
 
Love never fails.   

This week, parents teach your children to love as God loves.  You know His love already. The love with which you love your children is the same love that God loves us.  God has given you a gift to know His love.  Show them God's love.
 
In Christ,
Fr. Brian 

​This weekend is Pentecost.  The day that the Holy Spirit was sent down to the Apostles.  They were in the upper room afraid,  If you remember, just a week previous the disciples returned to Jerusalem full joy praising God in the temple continually.  Now they are locked in the upper room in fear.  

When the Holy Spirit comes, they are filled with fire, or God's life.  They rush out and preach to the poeple.  Acts 2:42 said that 3000 converted that day to Jesus through the preaching of Peter.

How is God sending you out today to preach the good news of Jesus?  

We think we are inadequate to preach about Jesus.  It is because, just saying the words "preaching about Jesus" has the connotation that you have a Masters in Divinity degree and studied.  

It really means: how well do you know and love Jesus?  The greatest saints didn't have near the education that we have today, yet they knew Jesus personally, and they loved him.  Jesus in the Gospel says "Whoever loves me will keep me word."  It is part of the same gospel as a few weeks ago that also says God will make his dwelling with us.

In our Baptism and our Confirmation we are given the Holy Spirit and the gifts to live our faith.  It begins by knowing Jesus personally.  If you are trying to figure out how to do that, here is a few things you can do"

1. Pick a Gospel (not John first) and pray over all the words of Jesus as if he was talking to you.
2. Take 2 munutes in the morning and sit quietly and pray "Jesus thank you for this day, help me to know you today."

This will begin a relationship that will open your life to greater possilbilites than you had ever thought. We limit ourselves, God brings us to new ways.

Remember you are already clothed with the fire of the Holy Spirit.  God has sent you to love others.  The Holy Spirit will constantly remind us what Jesus did for us.  Take some time to know him greater and realize that you have been sent by God with Jesus by your side.  This will help you speak about him to others because of your love for him.

Have a blessed week.

In Christ,
Fr. Brian 

Jesus shows us that he sacrifices himself for the ones he loves: us, human beings.  For sacrifice literally means "to make holy."  By Jesus' action on the cross, we are restored as children of God.  Our sacrifices are there to make others holy just as Jesus makes us holy by his sacrifice.  

He shows us that our actions of sacrifice are for who we love, and the fruit of these actions are the flourishing of others. 

When we see those we love being successful, healthy, growing in confidence, strengthening their faith and trust in God, growing in prayer, the love of the Eucharist, falling in love with someone else.  These are the fruits of our sacrifices, so others may flourish.  

When we sacrifice, it is so that the ones we love can flourish and be given greater opportunities to sacrifice for the ones they love. 

Think about what sacrifices you would make for your spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, friends, people you don't even know.   All of this begins because God sent his Son to love us, and tho show how to love as he loves.   Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you should love one another.  

What is one sacrifice you can make this week for someone that you love?

I have to ask myself, have I truly sacrificed for God and for those I love?  Am I willing to sacrifice my life for the people that God has given me to serve like St. John Neumann, or St. John Vianney?  That is a very humbling question.  On my own I cannot do it.  I fail, and do so very often.

Only with Jesus will I be able to do this because it begins with love, His love.

But that is why Jesus says "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you should love one another"  Love is the very center of it all.  Love impels us to love another as Jesus did.  Disciples sacrifice because they love.

By Christen Aquino

It’s a Wednesday morning.  I notice the caller ID on my phone; it’s one of my best friends, Kelly, who serves as the VP of Program Development for Life Teen.  I barely get the greeting out when she asks, “Do you want to go to South Africa?”  I pause.  “Come again?”  She says more slowly, “Do you want to join me in Cape Town, South Africa for their annual Life Teen Empower Conference?  Please say yes.”

Six weeks later, I find myself on a 15-hour flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg, or Joburg, as it’s known by locals.  Apart from sleeping, I’m thinking about the two keynote talks I’ve been asked to give: one of which is, “Answering a Call: Why Did God Call Me?”  No surprise, this is the same question I’ve been asking myself since Kelly asked me to attend the conference.  Certainly there are more eloquent, more equipped people to be here, than me - a youth minister from Ohio.  Why did God call me?

In prayer and reflection, I was drawn to think about the time I was invited to Haiti on a mission trip to Life Teen’s first mission base (2013) and to Israel on pilgrimage (2016, 2019), and I realized that often God has to move me outside my comfort zone to get my attention; to stretch me and help me grow; and to force me to rely on Him alone.  The experience of being in South Africa certainly provided me with these moments; seeing the beauty and diversity of the Church, the jaw-dropping splendor of God’s creation in Table Mountain and the surrounding topography, and total reliance on God while being away from the familiarity and safety of home.

Additionally, as I reflected on the question of why did God call me to go all the way to South Africa, just to give two keynotes, I reflected on St. Paul, Timothy, and the early church.  Why did they travel places, like I had done, like other priests and youth ministers had done, coming from as far as the country of Ghana to Cape Town to attend this conference?  St. Paul and his companions traveled to visit other communities for the sake of one another - encouraging and strengthening one another in faith and continuing to proclaim the Gospel.  The conference brought together over 130 youth ministers, priests, and religious together from across South Africa, as well as a special delegation from Ghana looking to bring Life Teen to their country as a means to better serve their young church.

While these reflections helped ease some of my doubts at being asked to attend the conference in Cape Town, I still couldn’t get past the feeling of unworthiness at the call to be there.  This brought me to pray with one of my favorite Scripture passages: Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14: 22-33).  If you’re not familiar with it, I encourage you to read and pray through it, but to summarize: Jesus has just fed the five thousand, he sends the disciples off in a boat, while he dismisses the crowd and goes off to pray.  While Jesus is praying, the disciples are caught in a storm at sea.

​​As the story continues, Jesus comes toward them, walking on the sea, and the disciples become even more terrified.  “At once, Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’  Peter said to him in reply, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’  Jesus said, ‘Come.’”

Have you ever stopped to wonder what qualified Peter to walk on water?  It’s not because he was fearless or the leader.  Nothing qualified Peter to walk on water, except that Jesus called Him.  “Peter said to him in reply, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’  Jesus said, ‘Come.’”

God doesn’t call Peter according to his skill set or qualifications.  God values Peter’s availability over his ability.  God sees something in Peter - who Peter can be with Him.  He does the same thing for us.  We need to make ourselves available to God and trust in the work He can do through us.

Ultimately, I went to South Africa because I made myself available to God’s invitation. I’m not perfect, not the most eloquent speaker, not the most experienced, but I was able to trust that He would bring me through it and that His work would be accomplished in me.  When doubts began to enter, I look back at all the unqualified people God has called throughout Scripture:

• Moses had a stutter
• Timothy was too young
• Abraham was too old
• Jeremiah was depressed
• David was an adulterer
• Paul was a murderer
• Peter was a failed fisherman, who betrayed Jesus

God is calling each of us to do what is impossible so that we have to rely solely on Him.  He reminds us in John’s Gospel, “without me you can do nothing.”  But “with God, all things are possible.”  Even walking on water. 

FOR REFLECTION

• How have you relied more on your own ability than on God?
• How can you make yourself more available to God?
• What work do you think God wants to do with you (and through you)?
• Have you never had a “walking on water” experience?  That is, something God called you to that was beyond your ability that He brought to fruition?

By Sophia Hosford

​Over the past two weekends, I was present for the First Communion Retreats our young people attended as they prepare to receive the Sacrament in April. The youth and their parents were so attentive throughout the day as we read stories from the Gospel, learned about the miracle of the Eucharist, and practiced how to come up for Communion. I heard parents sharing their own stories of faith with their kiddos and asking questions.
 
My favorite part of the retreats was ending in Adoration. I've always had a great love for this form of worship: coming right up next to Jesus who is truly present in the host. I find it incredible that we have a God who is so great and so powerful that He created the universe, and yet so humble He would just sit in silence with me, without demanding or asking of me. Both of us just sit together, loving each other, seeing how beautiful the other truly is. In this crazy world, where everything is so noisy, from our cars to our radios to our video chats for work and school, it is a miracle to be given time (even just 5 minutes) to be in silence. Often in Adoration, I find myself wondering how often I take time to simply see the people who are in my life - how can I take time to adore my husband, my family, my friends, the nature around me? I'm so busy filling it up with activities and noise that it's easy to forget to love. This silence and opportunity to love is the gift Adoration offers us.
 
It was incredibly moving to watch everyone at the retreat enter into this kind of prayer, some of them for the first time ever. Parents and children knelt down together and as a family they worshipped and prayed. Before Adoration began, I explained what we were about to do and encouraged everyone to take this time to talk to Jesus, to tell Him about what they did today or what they were most looking forward to over the weekend. Bring fears and hopes and joys and nervousness. Jesus wants it all. Jesus wants you. It may not be easy, but it is simple - He just wants to love you. After I explained Adoration, we prayed together, and I invited a young girl sitting up front to join me in front of the altar. She excitedly came forward and suddenly we were surrounded by other young people who all wanted to be close to Jesus in the Monstrance.
 
As I looked around and saw all these amazing parents and children praying together, I was filled with hope! The Eucharist is life - not just a story or a fairytale. Not just the legends of a man who lived 2000 years ago. But real life. This year Pope Francis has asked us to celebrate a Jubilee Year of Hope! In the midst of war and sickness and political divide, and now as we enter the prayer, fasting, and almsgiving of Lent, I saw our families completely embrace Jesus Christ as their hope.