Benny and Machelle Vanecek celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows on Saturday, September 3 at 12 noon at St Patrick Cathedral: the same day, time, and place they married in 1966. They were surrounded by many family and friends, including the same best man and matron of honor who stood beside them all those year ago.

Very Reverend Anthony C. Celino, J.C.L., V.G., officiated the renewal of vows with 100 in attendance. More than 200 family members and friends from all over the country celebrated the couple with dinner and dancing at the Lone Star Golf Club. Rod Crosby and The Intruders, a popular band and a favorite of Benny’s from the 1960’s, started the party with hits from that era, and Fungi Mungle inspired guests to dance the night away, including the fun couple, after dinner. Benny told the El Paso, Inc. that there have been beautiful times during their 50 years of marriage, and challenging ones, but credited their faith for keeping them together. “Communication has played an important role in our relationship, but if there is one thing that we have always had in our marriage is our faith in God. He has kept us together all of these years,” said Machelle Vanecek.

Machelle serves as the secretary of the Foundation Board of Directors, on the Catholic Legacy Fund Committee, and the Annual Foundation of Faith Dinner committee. She and Benny have dedicated much of their time, energy, and resources to seminarian education, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and our retired priests. They are parishioners at Queen of Peace Parish.

We are incredibly grateful for their witness of faith, and their dedication to the Catholic community and the community at large.