On Labor Day, we celebrated the marriage of my daughter, Gabrielle Orfei, to A.J. Canonico.
Wedding planning is stressful, and doing so during an international pandemic had us overwhelmed at times. Her original date last year was postponed. A civil ceremony was performed by New York State Judge James McCarty in the Canonicos’ backyard with immediate family. Our parish church was not offering the sacrament of matrimony.
I did read in CNY the opportunity for couples who were not able to have a religious service to take online pre-Cana classes. With the classes completed and the spiritual guidance of our parish priest, Father George Kanshamba, we scheduled the sacrament of marriage the day before the celebration. In church we had just immediate family. The presence of God’s blessing over this marriage filled our hearts with joy. This is the church in which my daughter was baptized, had Communion and Confirmation. She also served many years as an altar server.
This beautiful service, by Father George, will always be special to our family. We are thankful for God’s many blessings and wish my daughter Gabrielle and son-in-law A.J. many happy years together in God's graces.
Frank and Gail Orfei
West Harrison
The Orfeis are parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua in West Harrison.
