ELAINE and Noel Sparksman toasted their platinum wedding anniversary with a papal blessing surrounded by friends and family at a Mass and morning tea at Holy Spirit chapel, Carseldine.
It was a lovely celebration, Mr Sparksman said.
Mrs Sparksman said it was fantastic to be with their old friends and family on the anniversary.
The Sparksmans said they were grateful for Bishop Brian Finnigan’s efforts to acquire the papal blessing for their anniversary.
It was set up along side photos from their wedding as well as the wedding dress, last worn when Mrs Sparksman celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary.
The couple were married at St Stephen’s Cathedral by Monsignor Leo Carlton on May 3, 1952.
Looking back on their marriage, the couple said it had been a joyous life.
They have six children, 12 grandchildren and “three and a half” great grandchildren.
Their family is spread throughout New South Wales and Queensland.
Elaine (nee Doherty) had first met Noel as a day pupil at Lourdes Hill College, Hawthorne.
The pair became friends through events via the National Catholic Girls’ Movement and the Youth Christian Workers, which Elaine and Noel were members of respectively.
Mr and Mrs Sparksman said these Catholic organisations were integral to their experience growing up in the faith.
Mrs Sparksman said it was a shame the movement no longer existed.
“They were very well organised all over Australia and they had all sorts of competitions – inter parish tennis, swimming, football, cricket,” she said.
“Of course, they’d have a dance every month in different places.
“Then, of course, on the religious side they’d have Gospel discussions… they’d have them after Mass, after Benediction.”
Mr Sparksman said it was a “foundation of continuing growth in our faith when we left school”.
The couple have always played a role in the Church.
Elaine had worked as a catechist for 35 years at Windsor State School and Noel had volunteered for St Vincent de Paul Society for many years too.
The couple had some advice for newly married couples.
“I think mutual respect is most important,” Mrs Sparksman said.
“A still tongue helps a lot,” Mr Sparksman said with a laugh.
