Papal Blessing the icing on the cake after 50 years of marriage

01 Feb 2017

By The Record

Floreat Wembley parishioners Ivan and Barbara Colgan last year recognised their 50th wedding anniversary with a particular honour, receiving a Papal Blessing which was presented to them by their Parish Priest Father Andrew Albis. Photo: Supplied
Floreat Wembley parishioners Ivan and Barbara Colgan last year recognised their 50th wedding anniversary with a particular honour, receiving a Papal Blessing which was presented to them by their Parish Priest Father Andrew Albis. Photo: Supplied

By Caroline Smith

Floreat Wembley parishioners Ivan and Barbara Colgan last year celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a particular honour, receiving a Papal Blessing which was presented to them by Parish Priest, Father Andrew Albis.

Mr and Mrs Colgan celebrated their anniversary on Saturday 15 October 2016, with Fr Albis celebrating Mass for them that morning at Floreat-Wembley Parish.

The couple have been active members of the parish for more than 40 years, with Mr Colgan serving as an acolyte, with Mrs Colgan being involved in the Sacramental Program and taking on other volunteering roles.

However, they first met in Bunbury where they were also involved in Church activities, as members of the Young Christian Workers (YCW).

“At one stage Ivan was the boys’ secretary and I was the girls’ president,” Mrs Colgan said.

“We were married in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Bunbury by Fr Kevin Johnston, and the YCW group combined as a choir and sang at the Mass.”

Mr and Mrs Colgan celebrated 50 years of marriage on Saturday 15 October 2016, with a morning Mass celebrated by Floreat Wembley Parish Priest, Fr Andrew Albis. Photo: Supplied

After their wedding in 1966, the couple remained in Bunbury for a few years, before settling in Perth and becoming members of the Floreat-Wembley Parish.

Mrs Colgan said that involvement in the parish community was one of the highlights of their marriage, along with their children.

“We have three children: Stephen, Nathan and Anthea, followed by seven grandchildren,” she said.

“Watching them all achieve in their various careers, and the grandchildren with their schooling and sporting prowess has been great.

“We are very fortunate to have a strong parish family who support us.

“That is one of the highlights for us, to have such loyal friends both in Floreat-Wembley, and outside, our family and our faith, which keeps a marriage intact.”

The Papal Blessing had been a lovely addition to their anniversary celebration, Mrs Colgan added, especially since the parish community was also involved.

“Fr Andrew presented us with the Papal Blessing after a Sunday Mass with the congregation present,” she said.

“It was a huge honour, and the Blessing now takes pride of place on our entrance wall.”