February 12, 2026
Alumni couples, as well as couples with a special connection to St. John’s University, filled St. Thomas More Church on the Queens, NY, campus for the annual Blessing of the Couples Mass and reception held there on February 7.
The Mass, which was celebrated by Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC, Executive Vice President for Mission, allows couples to renew their wedding vows and receive a special blessing for their unions.
Homilist Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., University President, reminded the couples that faith is revealed not through words, but through everyday acts of mercy rooted in the University’s Vincentian heritage. “The fundamental way in which we bring God’s light, Christ’s light, into the world is through our acts of mercy. You don’t have to say anything,” Fr. Shanley emphasized. “You just have to do it.”
Marriage, however, brings its own special light, Fr. Shanley noted, stressing that it is inherently mutual and relational. He reminded couples that the vows they speak are intentionally open-ended and unknowable.
“Marriage is a form of laying down your life for your spouse,” he said, comparing it to the self-giving love of Jesus. “What has kept you together is God’s love and light.”
The gathering is a multigenerational affair. Those in attendance agreed it serves not only as a reminder for them to cherish their spouses, but also their connection to St. John’s. Whether they met on campus, commuted together while studying at St. John’s, or built lasting family ties to the University, alumni couples shared stories that underscored the enduring impact of their St. John’s experience.
Tara (’07M.P.S.) and Frank Kavanagh ’07J.D. attended St. John’s at the same time, but did not meet on campus. Tara, a graduate student in the College of Professional Studies (now, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies), and Frank, a student in the School of Law, both attended evening classes. The pair worked at Stony Brook University and met at a local restaurant.
Upon learning they both attended St. John’s, they decided to commute to campus together. “It was a great way to get to know each other,” Mrs. Kavanagh observed.
That time in the car formed the basis for their eventual marriage. “The Grand Central Parkway really gives you plenty of time together,” Mr. Kavanagh joked. “It gives you a good sense of who this person is. Would I want to take a road trip with her?”
Kathy (’74ED) and Thomas Williams ’75J.D. met on campus during some downtime. “It was 1973 and she was in the Student Union watching a New York Mets playoff game,” Mr. Williams recalled. He noticed a mutual friend was sitting with her and immediately wrangled an introduction.
When asked if it was love at first sight, Mrs. Williams managed a sly grin. “Yes,” she said. By the time they met, St. John’s had become a second home for them.
“We come to this event frequently,” Mr. Williams noted. “It’s a nice way to stay connected.”
“It’s a nice way to reconnect with St. John’s and with each other,” Mrs. Williams agreed.
A few couples in attendance did not begin their love stories at St. John’s. In these cases, one spouse was an alumnus, but both saw the Mass as a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their marriages at a place that holds deep significance for them.
Lisa Habas, ’99SJC, has enjoyed a long family history with St. John’s. Her grandparents were alumni and her daughter currently attends the University. In attendance with her husband, Brian, she wanted him to experience a space that was sacred to her.
“I had some of the best times of my life here. I made lifelong friends here,” she explained. “My daughter is here now, and my grandparents renewed their wedding vows in this Church. I want my husband to share in that feeling, especially since our daughter is here now.”
Louis Heredia ’15TCB attended with his wife, Denise, and their infant son, Jesse (the only baby in attendance). They were visibly moved by the ceremony.
Mr. Heredia said they met at work. “We came to the Blessing of the Couples when we were first married. Now we’re here with the little one, who just turned one. St. John’s has become a special place for both of us. We thought it made sense to share that experience with our son.”