Weddings are a time of great joy, and those celebrated by the Church are no exception.
But what happens when your special day falls within the Season of Lent?
The Season of Lent is marked by Penance and Austerity. In a nutshell, to refrain from the things we usually experience in the other days of the year. This is to facilitate an atmosphere of prayer, which directs our gaze towards heaven.
The Sacrament of Matrimony is in itself a joyous occasion. The priest wears white, and the Gloria is sung as per the instructions for Ritual Masses.
However during the Season of Lent, the Alleluia is still not sung, and the faithful who wish to contract Holy Matrimony at this time are encouraged to refrain from excessive pomp and display.
The restraint shown during this season is not one to discourage, but is one meant to inspire. When we reduce the pomp and display in respect to the Lenten Season, we allow our gaze to go towards Christ – the ultimate source of love – looking to it as a model for the love that would soon blossom into family life.