Facing the couple, Cardinal Fitzroy said, "My dear friends, you have come together in this place so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the Church's minister and this gathering of friends. Christ abundantly blesses this love. Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your hands, and declare your consent. Byron, do you take Jean to be your wife, to be true to her in good times and bad, to love and honor her in all the days of your life?" "I do," he said. Jean made the same promises to Byron. Knowing that standing was still a challenge for the groom, Fitzroy had kept things short and cut to the quick. He said, "You have both declared your consent. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with His blessings. Frank stepped forward and handed a ring to Byron. In a clear, evenly paced voice, the groom put the ring on Jean's finger, saying, "Jean, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity." Frank gave his sister a second ring. She placed it on her groom's finger. "Byron, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity." Fitzroy concluded, "Lord, grant that those who wear these rings may always have a deep faith in each other. May they always live together in peace, good will and love." Beaming now, the Cardinal added, "And as we in the Church are wont to say, 'Amen.' Kiss your beautiful wife, lad.
( Joseph Flynn )
[ The Last Chopper Out ]
www.QuoteSweet.com