Letters

Three to get married

Cedric Wright

Contents - Nov 2013 - Buy a copy now Editorial: Pope Francis' call to holiness - Peter Westmore Human rights: Zoe's Law and the right to life - Eamonn Keane News: The Church Around the World Culture: Cardinal Pell: defend religious freedom - Cardinal George Pell Schools: The future of Catholic education - Archbishop Timothy Costelloe Youth: Emmanuel Community: youth ministry powerhouse - Br Barry Coldrey Interview: G.K. Chesterton's cause for sainthood - Dale Ahlquist Marriage: Humanae Vitae: for an excellent love - Anne Lastman Marriage: English bishop warns on same-sex marriage law - Bishop Philip Egan Letters: Pope misrepresented - C. O'Driscoll Letters: Australia's new Prime Minister - Arnold Jago Letters: Three to get married - Cedric Wright Letters: Total love - Madge Fahy Letters: Clutching at straws - Anne Lastman Letters: Finding balance - Walter H. Kirk Books: Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer and Sex changed a Nation at War - Gabrielle Walsh (reviewer) Books: WHO NEEDS GOD?, by Barbara Stockl with Christoph Cardinal Schönborn - Br Barry Coldrey (reviewer) Books: THE CRAFT OF CATECHESIS, by P. Wiley, P. de Cointet and B. Morgan - Br Barry Coldrey (reviewer) Support: 2013 Fighting Fund Progress Report - Peter Westmore Books: Order books from www.freedompublishing.com.au Reflection: Bishop Anthony Fisher: Do you want to be a saint? - Bishop Anthony Fisher

The article by Anne Lastman in the September issue ("A covenant: essence of true marriage") should be compulsory reading for every young couple as they prepare for their wedding. It reminded me of a book my bride-to-be and I were given by a priest who was also a family friend.

If I remember correctly (after more than half a century!) it was entitled Three To Get Married, and was a thought-provoking (and uplifting) reminder of God's presence - and participation- when we made our marriage vows at the altar.

We had the wonderful privilege of a Nuptial Mass, and were very much aware that this was a Holy Covenant, in which we pledged our everlasting love in the presence of the Almighty, and received His blessing. What a magnificent start to married life!

In the freewheeling modern era, it's very saddening to see, and read of, starry-eyed young couples being joined by a state-licensed "celebrant", usually in some glamorous setting, with little or no mention of God, and sanitised pledges of personal devotion (culminating in the sugary: "Now you may kiss the bride!")

If only they knew how much more inspiring, enriching and rewarding would be a real church wedding! At the altar of Our Lord, and in His presence - not on a tropical beach, or a garden, or some sentimental setting.

CEDRIC WRIGHT
Mt Warren, Qld

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 26 No 10 (November 2013), p. 14