June Bride

When I was a young boy, I was always invited to be a ring bearer in several weddings. For me as a young boy then, being a ring bearer in weddings was just fun and enjoyable to do. Now that I officiate weddings, I still could imagine myself among those little boys who participate as a ring bearer.

In my young mind, of course, the intricacies of the marriage rites did not bother me at all. Now that I am a minister of this sacrament, I have become observant with the way wedding ceremonies take place at this time and in this generation. Things have become complicated. Likewise, it has become expensive too. I guess it is the current societal values and practices that make marriages too complicated.

I have officiated a lot of weddings, those of my relatives, friends, and parishioners as well. One question to clarify here is about the so-called June bride. Why is the month of June popular among couples planning to get married? The nearest answer is the month of June is derived from the name of the Roman goddess Juno, the so-called protector of women in all aspects of life such as childbearing, and with this in mind, Juno’s month has been considered as most auspicious for marriage.

Prior to finally settling for the big event, proper planning, preparation, and reflection are a must for those who have decided to embark in this direction. The Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209) is a good source of information for couples who would like to know what the requisites of marriage are as far as the civil requirements are concerned. Items such as essential and formal requisites of marriage (Art. 2 & 3) are also clearly answered for them.

The church has separate requirements so it is also a must to consult one’s parish for a detailed explanation of its requirements, so that at the event itself, one is not caught unaware of the requisites for marriage that need to be fulfilled.

The Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC, 1896) is a treasure-trove of gifts to the couple entering married life. The couple entering this state of life should understand this as their vocation, for marriage is the Sacrament of Vocation and Ministry. Thus, in the daily conduct of their lives, the two express “basic ways of living out Christ’s Gospel which proclaims that true life is found in loving service of one another” (CFC 1874). Since the two will live together as one and establish a family, conjugal love and fidelity are a must, which are understood as coupled with personal self-giving in love, not only a romantic self-centered and individualistic disposition but rather a free and mutual gift of self, experienced in tenderness and action (CFC 1913). What better way to fulfil the task of the couple than to serve life through the offspring that God will grant them, proof of the continuation of the human race. The responsibility does not end through the bearing of the child for nine months rather the need for responsible parenthood by raising up children as good human beings (CFC 1923).

As the June bride walks to the church happy at the beginning of the wedding ceremony, she will also step out with her spouse at the end of the ceremony equally joyful because of the blessed life that awaits them. With the prayers and support of their loved ones, community and the Church, they will be able to fulfill the vocation they have been called to live out.

Fr. Alfonso A. Araceli, SVD

University of San Carlos