On Monday,
two of my current RCIA students got their wedding blessed. They both started the program this year with
much enthusiasm, but encountered some barriers along the way and that makes their
union much more special. I was
talking to Monsignor Doktorcyk (my Canon Law professor this quarter) about
these two because for a moment we thought they were going to drop out over a
small administrative dispute. The couple
didn’t have current copies of their Sacrament certificates that they previously received in Mexico, and felt like they wouldn’t be able to acquire the documents. Father told them that he couldn’t marry them by the church unless these copies
were obtained. They were so looking
forward to getting married before Easter Vigil so that they could take First Communion
during the celebration and this little hiccup almost made them dropout. Luckily, we called the Diocese and were able
to get more information and help – it appears that our Diocese has a department
that helps in cases like these, administrative folk call parishes in other
countries to help obtain the needed documentation. Last Friday, the couple told us that all had
worked out and they would be getting married the following Monday. Of course, we were thrilled, but also very
surprised by the urgency these two felt in getting their union blessed. Usually, most people who are civilly wedded want
to have a really big party and that makes them postpone their religious ceremony. Thus, when this couple told us that they didn’t
want all the frills, but to receive the body and blood of Jesus during
communion (as soon as possible) we were rendered speechless. It was after praying the Stations of the
Cross at the beach that both came to us in each other’s arms with such joy and
love in their eyes- such pure beauty
that oozed joining us to their happiness.
On Monday,
using the wardrobe they had prepared for their upcoming sacraments they joined
in Holy Matrimony. It was a small
celebration only attended by their two daughters (one who was crying tears of joy), their witnesses, some of their RCIA classmates and a teacher. Simple as it was, it didn’t take from its
beauty. In fact, its simplicity taught
me how beautiful our desire for God can and should be. As an RCIA instructor I try to share the little wisdom I have, but most of the time I am the one that learns the biggest lessons from my students. Of course, we are Mexican -so we're planning
a wedding celebration for them during our next class- any excuse for a party!
The newlyweds with their loved ones.
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