Ceppaloni – “The Lord has chosen you and after 50 years you are here. Lucky is the husband of a good wife, but also lucky is the wife of a good husband”.
With these words, the Archbishop of Benevento, Felice Accrocca, celebrated today, in the church of San Giovanni Battista in Ceppaloni, the golden wedding of Sandra Lonardo and Clemente Mastella, defined by many as "the longest-lasting political couple in Italy".
Surrounded by their children, grandchildren, relatives and numerous friends, including the Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi and Senator Pier Ferdinando Casini, the Mastella couple renewed their “yes” in the same church where they got married half a century ago, visibly moved. The ceremony, enriched by the performance of the Ave Maria by the soprano Katia Ricciarelli, attracted the attention of numerous press and television correspondents, as well as photojournalists.
Guests included well-known faces from the world of politics, entertainment and sports, such as the mayor of Naples Gaetano Manfredi, entrepreneurs Diego and Andrea Della Valle, singer Gigi D'Alessio and former Napoli president Corrado Ferlaino, who has been linked to Mastella by a long friendship.
After the religious function, the celebrations continued in the couple's villa in San Giovanni, also in Ceppaloni, with a reception for over 300 guests. Accompanied by the music of a string quartet, Sandra and Clemente they gave themselves to the journalists' microphones, revealing the secret of their union: "When there is love, respect, solidarity and understanding, and you manage to mix all this, nothing else is needed", declared Sandra Lonardo.
"You also have to tolerate each other, sometimes pretend nothing is happening, but if something is wrong, you look for a solution together. There can't be war in the family," he added. Clement Mastella.There was no shortage of a joking reference to Jeff Bezos' recent wedding, which has made headlines for the millions collected by Venice. "Don't make me look bad, at least buy a coffee," joked Mastella, former mayor of Ceppaloni, addressing his friends present.
Among the memories, there were also difficult moments, such as his resignation as Minister of Justice in 2008, following an investigation involving his wife, who was later acquitted. “It was an injustice that caused me great pain,” Mastella recalled, before returning to the festive atmosphere. Radiant and united, the couple closed the evening with a declaration of love: “We are still in love.” A story that, after 50 years, continues to shine.
Article published on 1 July 2025 - 06:55
