NYC Gazette

St. John's University recently hosted its annual Blessing of the Couples Mass, inviting alumni couples who met during their time as students to celebrate their enduring relationships. The event took place on February 8 at St. Thomas More Church on the Queens, NY campus and was led by University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.

Nearly 200 couples attended the mass, where they had the opportunity to renew their vows and reconnect with old friends. In his homily, Fr. Shanley drew parallels between a Gospel reading about Jesus performing a miracle for his future disciples and moments of despair in personal lives, including marriages. He encouraged couples to persevere through difficult times by "going back and going deeper."

Clarissa Joan Middleton ’09TCB and her husband Theodore ’08TCB were among those attending for the first time in person after participating virtually in 2021. Reflecting on their relationship that began during their college years, Ms. Middleton shared how she prayed for them at St. Thomas More Church.

Another couple, Irene Bozzi Caccavallo ’75CBA and Steven Caccavallo ’75CBA, reminisced about meeting at Freshman Orientation in 1971 and later marrying in 1977. Mrs. Caccavallo emphasized the significance of St. John’s in their lives by joining The McCallen Society.

Gary T. Fernando ’72Ed and Patricia Fernando ’74Ed also shared memories from their time at St. John’s, recalling how they met through Greek life activities in 1971. They have since established a scholarship supporting undergraduate students in The School of Education.

Robert Guida ’85CBA, ’90MBA and Mary Ann Guida ’86CBA, ’07MBA recounted meeting while playing co-ed bowling at St. John’s and noted how much they look forward to the annual Blessing of the Couples event.

The gathering highlighted not only personal milestones but also contributions made by these alumni couples to both the university community and beyond.