Two very special parishioners at St Patrick’s, Thornaby, had much to celebrate recently. Mary and Tom Catnach celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 26th November 2009 and the icing on their cake was a beautiful telegram from Her Majesty the Queen.

The happy couple recalled their first meeting in December 1945 when Tom, a native of Thornaby, was serving in the Army in Birmingham. Mary, who was born in Dromore, County Down, had travelled to Birmingham for work and was employed at GEC Electrics at the time. When Tom set eyes on this pretty Irish Colleen, he knew she was someone very special and determined to make her his bride.

Mary finally consented and they were married at Our Lady of the Rosary RC Church in Saltley, Birmingham, on 26th November 1949. The happy couple settled in Birmingham but Tom’s heart hankered for Thornaby – commonly known as ‘God’s own Country’ – and he finally brought his bride home on 1st January 1986.

Mary and Tom are gentle people, fiercely independent but a real part of St Pat’s community. Fellow parishioners describe them as ‘a lovely couple’ and ‘devoted to each other’. Mary particularly enjoys the parish social activities while Tom is content to wait at home with a cup of tea ready for Mary’s return. Their weekly visit to St Pat’s Catholic Club on a Saturday night is the highlight of Tom’s week!

At Mass on Sunday morning, 6th December 2010, Fr Michael Keogh, Parish Priest at St Pat’s, offered the congratulations of the whole parish to them. He spoke about their love and loyalty to each other and the central place their faith takes in their lives. Giving them a very special blessing, he asked God to keep them safe and in good health and then joked about how he had never received a card from the Queen. In true style, Mary’s response was ‘Oh Father!’

So what is the secret of their long and happy marriage? Praying for each other, listening to each other, and loving each other. Oh – and as Tom so wisely puts it – telling your wife she is always right!!!!