Martina McBride Serenades Widow & Widower Wed Onstage

A widow and widower who met at a grief support group in New Jersey were married onstage at last night's Academy of Country Music Awards while serenaded by Martina McBride.

Martina selected the couple, after reading their account of loss and love. "When I read their story, I felt an emotional connection," she told PEOPLE magazine. "They have been through so much and I just thought about what an honor it would be to share this moment with them."

The moment arrived after excruciating heartbreak. Christina Davidson was 29 and seven weeks pregnant with her second when her husband, Paul, tied in a drowning accident. Frank Tucci had a son of his own and didn't know how to move on from the death of his wife, who had lost her battle with thyroid cancer. He began attending a support group in Washington Township, N.J., where he met and befriended Christina.

"We were able to support each other through our grief," Christina told ACM. "We easily shared our views about the challenges of single parenthood and about our struggles to keep the memories of our spouses alive. We realized we shared the same goals, the same outlooks on life."

The proposal came with help from their three combined sons, who donned T-shirts along with Frank that spelled out "Will you marry me?"

Christina's firstborn pulled out the ringing and she squealed "Yes!"

"Most certainly, we — and our children — are blessed," Christina said.

More than 5 million Catholics have been widowed, and CatholicMatch is proud to provide them with a supportive, faith-filled community, including a forum dedicated exclusively to widowed singles. We hear from many who find healing and hope on our site. It takes considerable courage to join a dating site after losing a spouse, but CatholicMatch is the perfect choice if you are hoping to find another great love. Barb Tess did — and she has beautifully chronicled her experience of meeting "Mr. Right" on CatholicMatch.

This Holy Week, as we unite our suffering to the cross, we ask you to join us in offering up a special prayer for all widows and widowers.

5 tips from Jessica

CatholicMatch contributor Jessica Zimanske is a grief group facilitator who shared "5 Tips For Dating In The Midst Of Grief" on Faith, Hope & Love.