2.
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MATTER
Matter: The matter of the sacrament of
Matrimony is the mutual consent and
exchange of marital vows by the bride
and groom. Their consent is expressed
through the free and deliberate
exchange of promises to give themselves
to each other in a lifelong partnership of
love, fidelity, and openness to children.
The consent of the couple is the essential
FORM
Form: The essential form of Matrimony is the exchange
of vows and the spoken words of consent made by the
bride and groom in the presence of a validly ordained
minister, usually a priest or deacon, and at least two
witnesses. The Church requires the couple to use the
prescribed form of the marriage vows, which includes
expressing their commitment to love and honor each
other, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in
sickness and in health, until death.
SYMBOLS OF MARRIAGE
Rings: The wedding rings exchanged by the couple are significant symbols
of their marriage. The circular shape of the rings represents eternity and the
unending love and commitment between spouses.
Unity Candle: The lighting of a unity candle during the wedding ceremony is
a symbol of the couple's unity and the merging of their lives together.
Nuptial Blessing: The priest or deacon imparts a nuptial blessing upon the
couple during the wedding ceremony.
Exchange of Vows: The exchange of wedding vows is a central part of the
Catholic marriage ceremony. The vows spoken by the couple express their
commitment to love, honor, and cherish each other and to remain faithful
throughout their married life.
SYMBOLS OF MARRIAGE
White Veil and Veil Removal: In some Catholic wedding traditions, the bride may
wear a white veil. The veil symbolizes purity and modesty.
Blessing and Exchange of Coins: In certain cultural and traditional Catholic wedding
ceremonies, the couple may exchange coins or arras. These coins represent the couple's
commitment to supporting and providing for each other and their future family.
Unity Cross: Some couples choose to incorporate a unity cross into their Catholic
wedding ceremony. The unity cross consists of two interlocking pieces, representing the
husband and wife, and a third piece representing Christ. The joining of the pieces
signifies the couple's faith in Christ and their commitment to build their marriage on
Christian values.
Marriage Covenant: The marriage covenant itself is a profound symbol in the Catholic
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