Religion: 1,000 Vows

In a Roman Catholic church in Queens Village, N. Y. one night last week twinkled 1,000 wax tapers, clutched by 500 devout Catholic husbands, 500 devout Catholic wives. In solemn unison 1,000 lips moved over the words:

"I ... take thee ... for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. . . ."

Mr. & Mrs. Napoleon Pelletier of Queens Village have been married 50 years. Mr. & Mrs. John Staudt Jr. have been married seven months. They and 498 other couples renewed their marriage vows at the behest of their pastor, Rev. Bernard J. Reilly. He thought up the idea a year ago to combat unrest and separation, believes it unique.