Introduction
We have come together to celebrate the anniversary of the marriage of ________ and _______. As we join them in their joy, we join them also in their gratitude.
God has set them among us as a sign of His love and through the years, they have remained faithful, and have fulfilled their responsibilities as parents.
Let us give thanks for all the favors ________ and _______ have received during their married life. May God keep them in their love for each other, so that they may be more and more of one mind and one heart.
Brief Explanation of Marriage
Since marriage is not only a physical bond, but also a spiritual bond, I would like to share just a brief scripture passage as it relates to marriage.
In the book of Genesis we read: And the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, He made into a woman, and he brought her to the man.
And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called woman because she was taken out of man.” Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh.
Many years ago, ________ and _______ fell in love, and 25 years ago, they gathered at __________________ Parish in front of God, family, and friends, and they both vowed and said to each other:
“I take you, to be my lawful wedded spouse, 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.”
Then they exchanged rings and said, “Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Then, in a blink of an eye, 25 years have passed, and here we are today, with ___children; ________, ____________ and _____________ now raised, and an abundance of memories and experiences.
Over the years ha________ and _______ have learned the true meaning of the words “and the two shall become one.” You have joined in a very special way.
Yet, your individual identities have not been extinguished, but have burned brighter, because in becoming one, you have also become more fully yourselves.
True Love is like that – it brings to fullness and maturity all that is good – it allows people to become what God desires for them.
So, you are two, yet you are one. Your hearts and minds are more deeply joined now than you could ever have imagined they would be, 25 years ago.
You intimately know one another, as friends, as lovers, as parents, as compadres, as fellow workers.
I am sure that you can even finish each other’s sentences, and anticipate just what the other wants and needs...... that is what is expected in a true and sacramental marriage.
As Catholics, we believe that a vow is forever, and that there is no need to renew a vow that is eternal, but we can add to that vow, enhance that promise, and put to voice an emotion that is held so deeply.
Exchange of Promises
After 25 years of marriage, ________ and _______ would like to now, in front of God, family and friends, share a few words with each other from the heart:
Prayer
Since God is such a big part of your marriage, I now encourage you to humbly bow your heads and recall those things that have made your relationship succeed, the self-giving, the patience, the forgiveness, the encouragement, the prayer, the telling of truth in Love, and the willingness to accept and trust one another, and to give thanks to God for how he has blessed you.
Blessing of the Rings
The marital rings are an external sign and symbol of the marriage bond and are holy to those who wear them. We will bless their rings at this time.
Lord, bless + and consecrate the love which ________ and _______. have for one another. May these rings be a symbol of their true faith in each other and always remind them of their love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Concluding Prayer / Blessing
We will now conclude this ceremony with a prayer and blessing.
Lord, God and Creator, we bless and praise your name. In the beginning, you made man and woman, so that they might enter a communion of life and love.
You likewise blessed the union of Marc and Lori, so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them today.
Amid the joys and struggles of their life you have preserved the union between them; renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace, so that surrounded by their children they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Sprinkling with Holy Water
• May God, the almighty Father, give you joy.......Amen
• May the only Son of God have mercy on you and help you in good times and in the bad.......Amen
• May the Holy Spirit always fill your hearts with Love......Amen
And may almighty God + bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit......Amen
Let us now show our Love and Appreciation for this wonderful couple, and for their witness of God’s love to the world. (Applause)
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