The Rite of Betrothal
Betrothal is an ancient rite in the Catholic Church, that is now regaining popularity amongst newly engaged couples.
I recently got to be a witness to my best friend's Betrothal Ceremony. Betrothal is an ancient rite in the Catholic Church, that is now regaining popularity amongst newly engaged couples. When a couple gets engaged, they are planning to get married but are not yet morally bound to do so under the law of The Church. In a Betrothal ceremony, the couple vows to marry each other on a certain date and is morally bound to do so under the canon law of The Catholic Church.
The Betrothal Ceremony is a beautiful and simple one, that sheds graces upon the newly engaged couple. In ancient times, many Catholic priests and parishes did not consider a Catholic couple's engagement to be valid until they underwent the Betrothal ceremony. Unfortunately, the secularization of marriage has infiltrated The Church, and the knowledge of the rite of Betrothal today has become scarce. The good news, is that the Rite of Betrothal is starting to regain popularity, amongst those who follow proper order and tradition. Thanks be to God for an outpouring of knowledge and grace! Engagements can be called off, leaving heartache in its place. The Rite of Betrothal solidifies that the couple will get married, and they are therefore given graces in a sacramental sense, that they otherwise would not obtain.
To learn about the differences between engagement and betrothal please see this link - What Is The Catholic Rite of Betrothal
"During the ceremony, a priest begins the Rite with a prescribed prayer and invites the couple to join hands. The man and woman, in turn, repeat after the priest the words of their pledge to marry. After each has pledged their commitment, the priest blesses the couple with holy water, saying, 'I declare thee betrothed,' and blesses the bride-to-be's engagement ring," "The Rite concludes with Scripture readings or prayer." - Brides.com
The Holy Spouses, Joseph and Mary were betrothed, and can intercede for couples undergoing the Sacred Rite of Betrothal.
I love how God sheds light on what He would like you to do, as the plan for your life unfolds. Within the past year, my best friend and I learned about the Sacred Rite of Betrothal and now here she is getting betrothed! I wholeheartedly believe that if you intend to follow and obey The Lord, He reveals to you the proper pathway to receive the most grace. It has been a joy to witness these two undergo a Catholic courtship. I have learned a lot through their witness, and am happy to be a witness myself to their love!
Please keep John and Gabrielle in your prayers, the newly engaged and betrothed.
Serviam
January 26th is the feast day of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops and close companions of Saint Paul.
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