As we get ever closer to the celebration of the Incarnation (God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ), I recall in my growing up years, going to the "Encyclopedia" (way before we had "Google Search") and in the "C" book looking up Christmas and surveying the different ways that countries and cultures celebrate Christmas. I have to admit that I wished we, in the United States, would follow what some countries do, especially the giving of gifts to each other on the Solemnity of the Epiphany (which used to always fall on January 6). Among other things it (the giving and receiving of gifts) was one less distraction from the main focus of Christmas which is the World receiving the greatest gift ever, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
Last weekend, I was introduced to and participated in a Croatian custom during the wedding Mass of my nephew, Zachary and his bride (and now wife Alyssa). After the beginning procession, the couple presents a small crucifix for the Celebrant to bless. When the time comes for the exchange of consent, the bride or groom grasps the crucifix in his or her hand and the other "soon to be" spouse places their hand over the cross, touching it and the hand of their future spouse. The Celebrant then places his stole over their "Crossed hands" as he leads them through their exchange of consent. The first kiss of the newly married couple is not between them, but is to the crucifix in their hands.
I found all of this very powerful and meaningful. Just as all soon to be baptized Catholics have the cross traced on their foreheads, joining us to the crucified Lord for the rest of our lives, so the couple is reminded in a personal way of the self-sacrificing love that Jesus had throughout his life and especially at his death, and the special call my nephew and his wife now have as a married couple to self-sacrificing love for each other in and through Jesus Christ. Though I did not suggest it at the time, my hope is that they will keep that "commitment cross" on their nightstand and kiss it every day and night before kissing one another. It will keep them ever focused on the one who should come first in their individual and married lives, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. A pretty good custom to follow in Croatia and anywhere else.
Last weekend, I was introduced to and participated in a Croatian custom during the wedding Mass of my nephew, Zachary and his bride (and now wife Alyssa). After the beginning procession, the couple presents a small crucifix for the Celebrant to bless. When the time comes for the exchange of consent, the bride or groom grasps the crucifix in his or her hand and the other "soon to be" spouse places their hand over the cross, touching it and the hand of their future spouse. The Celebrant then places his stole over their "Crossed hands" as he leads them through their exchange of consent. The first kiss of the newly married couple is not between them, but is to the crucifix in their hands.
I found all of this very powerful and meaningful. Just as all soon to be baptized Catholics have the cross traced on their foreheads, joining us to the crucified Lord for the rest of our lives, so the couple is reminded in a personal way of the self-sacrificing love that Jesus had throughout his life and especially at his death, and the special call my nephew and his wife now have as a married couple to self-sacrificing love for each other in and through Jesus Christ. Though I did not suggest it at the time, my hope is that they will keep that "commitment cross" on their nightstand and kiss it every day and night before kissing one another. It will keep them ever focused on the one who should come first in their individual and married lives, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. A pretty good custom to follow in Croatia and anywhere else.