Marriage is a Sacrament

Several years ago my son and I were blessed to attend the ordination to the priesthood of one of our dearest friends (and my son’s godfather), Fr. Nick Rottman – a triple blessing as it included two bonuses:

1. Being inside of (the only?) one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the United States, I might even think in North America !?
2. My son, yet to be nicknamed Legoboy, receiving First Holy Communion from the newly ordained priest himself, followed after Mass by a blessing from the bishop – and a few other priests. This was also the last time for 2 years that we would see another priest friend of ours who took Legoboy to the side before Mass for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

OH! All the sacraments going on that day!

(There were previously two gorgeous photos in this spot, but StBlogs (my previous blog-host) lost them :( )




This past week, we joined Father/Uncle Nick for another sacramental celebration: each year the Diocese honors with a vesper service and blessing from the bishop, all those couples who have been married a significant number of years: 1, 25, 50, and every year after 50.

Father Nick offered to sit with us as we didn’t know any lay people there (I really don't like being in crowds of people I know, let alone people I don't know!). But I asked him to sit with the priests as he had originally planned – so that Legoboy could see him in a different priestly role than he has seen him previously.

My heart was so full of gratitude that my son could be in this beautiful cathedral that truly honors the Creator of the Universe and the Savior of Mankind – while honoring True Marriage: his godfather who is married to the Church, the Bride of Christ – and all those hundreds of couples called up to receive a blessing from the bishop. The wedding feast of the Lamb.

Two couples of note – one couple in their 50-something year and one couple in their 60-something year – BEAMING as they walked up the aisle to receive their blessing, linked arm in arm – I thought they would float away with the happiness and love they so clearly displayed.

It was both sad and encouraging to see several of the couple walk up side by side, but not holding hands or linking arms; then as they returned to their pews, the woman walking ahead of the man by several paces (there was plenty of space to walk side by side). It was sad to think that something isn’t quite there that could be there; but it was encouraging that they were still together, perhaps they are going through a rough time – with the graces recieved from the blessing and the renewal of their vows, perhaps they too will be the beaming couples together for 50, 60, 70 years, practically waltzing up the aisle in the confidence of their Savior’s love for them, who made it possible for them to overcome all obstacles and be an example of true Christian love to the world.


A link to a panoramic view of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of Covington:
http://rackphoto.com/panos/rackoramas/cov-cath-tour/covcath-nave-main.html