Cardinal Rosales stresses solemnity of marriage rite

When we first came across the article below, we wondered how our friends in the industry, particularly the event organizers and wedding planners, would feel about the statement of the His Eminence. We are posting this not to stir a debate, but to share the information. 🙂

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(via CBCP News) While underscoring the sacredness of the sacrament of matrimony, a high-ranking prelate also expressed alarm on some wedding ceremonies becoming a “special event production,” thus robbing the rite of its solemnity.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales said he has been alarmed with the growing number of entrepreneurs now known as “event organizers” and “wedding planners” involved in the smallest details of weddings who sometimes turn the solemn rite into a “show” or “presentation.”

The Cardinal made the observation in an interview over Veritas Radio Monday morning.

He noted that couples now focus their attention to the minutest details of the preparations, invitations, the program and the songs to be sung during the reception instead of the meaning of the Sacrament of Matrimony.

“May kabanalan ang sakramento ng kasal at ang kabanalan ng kasal ay kung minsa’y nawawala sapagkat ang atensyon ng ikakasal ay naaagaw ng producer o planner at ‘di na nauunawaan ang ipinapayo ng pari,” the cardinal explained.

While worried that the sacrament of marriage is being robbed of its solemnity and spirituality, he said he is also concerned of the expenses such a big production will entail on the couple.

“Ang iba, sa oras na marinig ang gastos, sa halip na magpakasal sa simbahan ay sa huwes na nagpapakasal,” he added.

These wedding planners are considerably paid to attend to almost all the details involved in the ceremony turning a sacred rite into a presentation or show, the cardinal said.

Pre-Cana conference

Reminiscing on his early years as a young pastor, Rosales said one thing he misses these days is the chance to talk to young couples engaged to be married through the Pre-Cana Conference.

During these conferences couples have the opportunity to discuss honestly with each other one’s strengths and areas of growth, the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, family life, communication, finances, sexuality and one’s role in society and in the Church.

He said he finds it enjoyable talking to engaged couples as he “gains their friendship and in fulfillment of my duties as pastor.”

The prelate said these conferences are important to the engaged couple for them to realize their responsibilities in the eyes of society and the Church. (Melo M. Acuna)

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