A Catholic matrimony is not just one of the most significant commitments two people can make in their lives; it is also one of the most vital components of Catholic living. A Catholic matrimony is one of the most beautiful expressions of love that two people can give to one another. It bonds a man and woman together in the sight of the Lord, blessing them on their wedding day.
Consider this your definitive guide if you’re planning a Catholic matrimony or if you are going to your friends’ traditional Catholic marriage for the first time.
Pre-Cana
Pre-Cana is a marriage preparation course or pre-wedding counselling, that couples must attend. This is mandatory if they want to marry in the Catholic church. The name comes from the Bible tale known as the bridal feast at Cana in Galilee. This is the time when Jesus Christ, accomplished the miracle of changing water into wine.
This marriage planning course is often offered as a weekly class or as an intensive weekend event. During this period, couples have the opportunity to discuss various aspects of marriage and married life. These ranging from spirituality and devotion to more practical matters such as finances.
Selecting Church
The majority of Catholic matrimony take place in a Catholic church. In most cases, the couple picks their home church. In addition they can also choose a family church or a church with a special meaning to them. If you wish to have your Catholic marriage ceremony anywhere other than a Catholic church. Then you must request permission from your bishop.
Entrance Rite on Church
There are two alternatives for the processional in Catholic marriage rituals. The first option is for the priest and servers to receive the wedding party, bridesmaids and groomsmen, at the church door. They’ll enter the church first followed by the wedding couple.
Alternatively, the priest and servers can enter on their own and take their seats in the sanctuary before the wedding couple arrives. Following the conclusion of the processional hymn, the priest leads everyone in the sign of the cross.
Nuptial Mass & Opening Prayer
The Nuptial Mass includes readings from both the Old and New Testaments, as well as hymns and psalms. At the start of the ceremony, there are usually two readings.
Usually, the friends or family members chosen by the couple perform the opening prayer. The priest then gives a homily, which usually includes readings and teachings on marriage and love. If the couple chooses not to have the Nuptial Mass, they will have a Celebration of Marriage. This celebration begins with the Liturgy of the Word.
Liturgy of the word
The readers (usually family members) recite Bible passages chosen by the couple and authorised by the priest, followed by a brief sermon on marriage delivered by the priest.
Marriage Rite
The entire congregation stands as the couple exchanges vows, proclaiming their love for one another. Following the couple’s “I do” response to the vows, the best man usually brings the bride’s ring to the priest. The pries then blesses it and hands it to the groom to place on the bride’s finger. The maid of honour then presents the groom’s ring to the priest, who blesses it before passing it to the bride to be placed on the groom’s finger.
Offertory
This is the time when the altar is readied for communion, commonly known as the Eucharistic Liturgy. A couple of other special guests may be asked to assist with the preparations. Afterwards the priest then says the Eucharistic Prayers over the bread and wine for communion. In certain Catholic marriages, the bride sets flowers on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s shrine while musicians perform “Ave Maria.” This ritual can be performed either before or after the processional.
Nuptial Blessing
The marriage couple kneels or stands before the altar for this blessing, and the priest bestows a blessing on them.
The priest encourages the marriage party and guests to share a peace sign. The peace sign is usually a handshake and the words “Peace be with you” with the persons standing closest to them.
Recessional
The marriage couple leads the way out of the church, followed by the marriage party, and lastly the priest.
After the marriage ceremony, the newlyweds can take photographs, thank their guests, and pay their respects to their parents and grandparents. This is an event when the couple’s close friends and relatives will assemble for a reception to commemorate the occasion. This gathering may include a lot of food, drink, music, and dancing.
It’s a moment for everyone to let loose, exchange tales, and express their love and admiration for the happy couple. The marriage celebration reveals significantly more of the cultural distinctions that exist among Catholics from all over the world.
