Edward and Patricia Fortune rekindled fond memories last month as they celebrated the day in which they were united in marriage 60 years ago.
The couple, from Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) Parish, Hilton, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary amidst festive events and a family reunion organised by their children and grandchildren.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish priest Father Paul Raj congratulated the longstanding parishioners and commemorated their ongoing commitment to the Church by offering a Mass for them on the day of their anniversary.
“The whole family is involved in pastoral work; their daughter Letitia and granddaughter Nakkitta run a very successful youth group.
“Nakkitta is also a wonderful leader at Corpus Christi College in Bateman. I am very grateful for the work this family has done in our parish and for the Church of Perth,” he added.
Hailing originally from South Africa, the couple were married at Emmanuel Cathedral, Durban, on 5 March 1955. Their seven children, three boys and four girls, attended the local St Augustine’s Catholic School, where their father was once a pupil, before the couple moved to Perth, WA in 1985, with their five youngest children.
In Perth, they joined their eldest daughter Sandy, who had preceded them in moving to Australia. The arrival of their eldest son Mark in 1987 completed the family move.
Edward and Patricia were regular attendees at their Catholic church in their native land – a tradition which they pursued in the Christ the King Church of Beaconsfield, Perth, where Fr Liam Keating said Mass regularly.
The family eventually re-located to OLMC Parish, Hilton, where they were welcomed with open arms and continue to be a resourceful presence.
Patricia assisted in the Catholic Women’s League of Western Australia for many years and also fundraised for the parish by organising cake stalls, talent shows and parish dances to assist with the building of the church hall.
Edward, on the other hand, used his skills as painter and interior decorator to help with the general maintenance of the church.
When asked to point out one of the binding elements which has kept her parents united for so many years, daughter Letitia Fortune said that faith and perseverance played a vital role in their parents’ marriage.
“Having God at the centre of their lives largely contributed to them being together for so long,” Ms Fortune said.
“My mum has always recited the Rosary fervently; she has a very close relationship with, and draws on inspiration from, Our Lady. That is something that has filtered down to us and our children’s lives.
“Even through the trying times, our parents encouraged us to pray on a regular basis, took us to Mass and taught us to seek God whenever we encountered any hurdles in life. We were encouraged to keep that relationship with Him, communicate with Him as if He was our best friend and to thank Him for what we had available. We never had a meal around the table with the whole family without saying grace,” Ms Fortune added
Edward and Patricia celebrated their wedding anniversary at their home in the same way that they have lived their entire lives – surrounded by family and loved ones.
The couple currently live in Willagee, and enjoy spending time with their 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.