In honor of the Kennedy’s 71st wedding anniversary, one can re-live that special day, September 12, 1953, when Jacqueline Bouvier married then-Senator John F. Kennedy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport.
The 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Return to Camelot presentations will feature vintage film clips, a live performance of organ music and hymns from the wedding ceremony, and the "first dance" played at the reception at Hammersmith Farm, Jackie’s childhood summer home in Newport.
Following the 30-minute presentation, visitors may tour the church, view pew #10, where Jack and Jackie prayed while attending Mass in Newport, and see the kneelers used during their nuptial Mass.
The church, dedicated in 1852 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is now open to the public during the summer months, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Reservations for Return to Camelot are not required and no tickets will be sold. Doors open at 1:45 PM / 5:45 PM.
A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the St. Mary’s Hot Lunch Program, which serves community members in need three Wednesdays per month.
Free parking is available in the church lots accessed via William Street, which runs 1-way down the hill from Bellevue Avenue.
For more information, please write stmarynewport@gmail.com or phone the Parish Office at (401) 847-0475, Mon. through Thurs. between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Photo Source: The Kennedy Library
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