In honor of the Kennedy’s 70th 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 Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island.
“Return to Camelot” will be presented at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church, corner of Spring Street and Memorial Boulevard West in Newport. Doors open fifteen minutes before each presentation.
The presentation 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, guests may tour the beautiful and historic church, view pew #10, where Jack and Jackie prayed while attending Mass in Newport, and the kneelers used during their nuptial Mass.
Reservations for Return to Camelot are not required, and no tickets will be sold. A free-will offering will benefit the St. Mary’s Hot Lunch Program, serving community members in need three Wednesdays a month.
St. Mary’s Church is home to Rhode Island’s oldest Catholic parish, established in 1828. The present church, dedicated in 1852 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, attracts thousands of visitors from across the U.S. and worldwide each year to say a prayer, light a candle, and admire its architecture and beautiful interior. Many are eager to see the site of the famous Kennedy wedding.
Father Mark A. Sauriol, the pastor of St. Mary’s, shared, “Thanks to our volunteer docents, our beloved church is now open to the public Monday through Friday, year-round, in addition to regularly scheduled Mass times.” During peak tourism months in Newport, the church is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the off-season. Fr. Mark added, “We are so grateful for the generous donations made by visitors. Along with free-will offerings made by guests at our annual “Return to Camelot” presentation, these are the key funding source for our Hot Lunch Program, serving our Newport neighbors in need.”
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