9 tips from Pope Francis to couples about to get married
in 2016 Papa Francesco gave some advice to couples preparing for the wedding .
- Don't focus on invitations, dresses and parties
The Pope asks not to focus on the many details that consume economic resources and energy because the spouses, otherwise, risk getting tired at the wedding, instead of devoting their best efforts to prepare as a couple for the big step.
"This same mentality is also at the basis of the decision of some de facto unions that never reach marriage, because they think about expenses instead of giving priority to mutual love and formalization in front of others".
- Opt for an austere and simple celebration
Have "the courage to be different" and not to be devoured "by the society of consumption and appearance". “What matters is the love that unites you, strengthened and sanctified by grace”. Opt for an "austere and simple celebration, to put love above everything".
- The most important things are the sacrament and consent
The Pope invites us to prepare ourselves to live the liturgical celebration with a profound soul and to realize the theological and spiritual weight of the yes to marriage. The words "imply a totality that includes the future: 'until death do you part'".
- Giving value and weight to the marriage vow
The Pope recalled the meaning of marriage, where "freedom and fidelity do not oppose each other, rather they support each other". Then we need to think about the damage produced by unfulfilled promises. “Fidelity to the promise is neither bought nor sold. It cannot be imposed by force, nor can it be maintained without sacrifice ”.
- Remember to always be open to life
Remember that a great commitment, such as that of marriage, can only be interpreted as a sign of the love of the Son of God incarnate and united to his Church in a covenant of love. Thus, "the procreative meaning of sexuality, body language and gestures of love lived in the story of a married couple are transformed into an 'uninterrupted continuity of liturgical language' and 'conjugal life becomes liturgical' at the same time".
- Marriage does not last a day but a lifetime
Keep in mind that the sacrament "is not only a moment that then becomes part of the past and of memory, but exerts its influence on the whole married life, permanently".
- Pray before getting married
Pope Francis recommends couples to pray before the wedding, "for each other, asking God to help you be faithful and generous".
- Marriage is an occasion to announce the Gospel
Remember that Jesus began his miracles at the wedding at Cana: "the good wine of the Lord's miracle, who rejoices in the birth of a new family, is the new wine of Christ's Covenant with men and women of every age" ”The wedding day, therefore, is“ a precious occasion to proclaim the Gospel of Christ ”.
- Consecrate marriage to the Virgin Mary
The Pope also suggests that spouses begin their married life by consecrating their love in front of an image of the Virgin Mary.