Anniversary Mass is one to remember

On Sunday, February 16, more than 100 couples participated in the annual Marriage Anniversary Mass. A long-held tradition in the Diocese of Tucson, the Mass brings together couples from throughout the diocese to celebrate with the bishop. Couples take photos with the bishop and renew their wedding vows.  

This year was particularly special because just, a few days ago, the celebrant was named an archbishop. On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Archdiocese of Detroit announced that Pope Francis had appointed Tucson bishop Edward J. Weisenburger as the sixth archbishop of one of the largest and fastest-growing dioceses in the United States. Tucson to Detroit is in fact historic.  The last time a Tucson bishop was named an archbishop was in 1899 when Pope Leo XIII appointed Bishop Peter Bourgade to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. As you likely know, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe was created well before New Mexico became a state.   

The move, albeit a joyous and monumental occasion in the Diocese of Tucson, is also bittersweet. Archbishop-designate Weisenburger, our shepherd for the last seven years and three months, has become especially fond of his flock and us of him. At the Marriage Mass during photos, couples couldn’t help but relish in the moment of standing beside an archbishop who was instead congratulating them on their years of matrimony. Weisenburger, humble and gracious, was quick to redirect their enthusiasm and in return ask them how many years of marriage and then congratulate them. One woman even bowed down to kiss his ring.  

The Mass began and from all areas of Saint Augustine Cathedral cell phones were capturing photos and recording video. Archbishop-designate Weisenburger began his homily thanking everyone for their attendance and their well-wishes. Then, in his usual humorous fashion, told a joke, “Do you know what the difference is between an archbishop and a bishop?” He smiled and said, “Nothing, but don’t tell the archbishops that.” The congregants laughed and the archbishop continued making the Mass about them, not him. He talked about sacrificial love, and the message that Pope Francis represents, “He’s willing to enter into a relationship of sacrificial love for the Church. All real love in the end, as some philosophers have said is, sacrificial. Not suffering but real love. Not hallmark cards or Valentines Day but real love is a pouring out of oneself for others.” 

It's commentary like that Monsignor Greg Adolf, the pastor at Saint Andrew the Apostle in Sierra Vista, has always appreciated about Weisenburger, “The announcement of Bishop Weisenburger’s elevation and re-assignment came as a bit of a blow. I expected that Bishop, with his talent and dynamic leadership style, would be called upon sooner or later to take on even greater responsibilities. I was hoping that it would be later!” Adolf, who serves in the Cochise Vicariate, which covers much of Southeastern Arizona said it’s Weisenburger’s commitment to pastoral care that makes him unique, “There are many adjectives which could be applied to this extraordinary priest: witty, congenial, accessible, learned, collegial, articulate, warm, welcoming, etc. I personally think of him as a ‘good shepherd’ – one who truly cares for those whom God has given to his pastoral charge. I am especially going to miss his preaching. His ability to explain and apply the Word of God is truly extraordinary. I have ‘stood on his shoulders’ many times in the ambo, sharing what I learned from him. Maybe all of this can be summed up by simply saying that he was and is a true Apostle!”  

Prior to February 10, Weisenburger had never stepped foot in Detroit, and he has very few connections with people in Michigan, nonetheless, he’s ready, “I love being with people and I look forward to being with them as much as I can.” In the meantime, Archbishop-designate Weisenburger says he has weeks of work in Tucson ahead of him and he intends to finish strong though he is a little nervous, “As I’ve been praying these last few days about this move, I keep stumbling across the same message from the Gospel of John, 'Blessed are those who trust in the Lord; perfect love casts out all fear.'” 

A fitting parallel to the Marriage Anniversary Mass as couples celebrate their anniversaries and continue to put uncertainty aside as they continue to trust in the Lord.