Yesterday I went to one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. I have known the bride for about 15 years and felt so blessed when she asked if I would be her Confirmation sponsor 7 years ago. She and her husband attended a Catholic college and are very faithful as are their families. As a surprise, the bride’s father made the kneelers that the couple used and placed a note on each one for them to find at the beginning of Mass. The priest from the college came to celebrate the Mass and the Marriage. Since he knew the couple, he was able to speak about them personally. He encouraged them to be an example of a loving, faithful, committed marriage in a world that desperately needs such a model. He also strongly suggested that they have many children to carry on that love and faith. Also in attendance was a very large group of young adults who were friends of the bride and groom from the college. At one point, the bride and groom made their way over to the statue of Mary and placed a bouquet of flowers at her feet. The music group led a song that was used by the school while the large group joined in. It was wonderful that just about everyone in the church sang, prayed, and responded together. There was a true sense of community. When the words came, ” . . .What God has joined together . . .” you knew that God was truly there. Near the end of the ceremony, everyone extended their hands and prayed a blessing over the newly wed couple. When I talked with the groom later about the beautiful ceremony, he said that they were very intentional about what they chose and why – from the scripture readings of committed, loving relationships to the touching music. It was such a meaningful way to begin their life together. I think it did what marriage celebrations should do, which is to draw everyone there into the reality of something greater than themselves.

I Found God today in a beautiful marriage celebration.