October 6, 2007

A Different Kind of Wedding

There were no sequins, pearls, or lace. There was a fine string of beads though, the rosary which hung from her waist. No long train trailed behind for a maid of honor to straighten. This bride had no bouquet of flowers to clutch; in fact, her hands were empty. She wore a simple gray tunic with cord around her waist – the same bridal gown which she wore everyday. The only thing that looked “bridal” about her garb was the simple white veil of the novice, which she wore for the last time.

When the bride of Christ makes her vows and the black veil, like a funeral pall, is draped over the white, the symbolism is unmistakable. The rite moves swiftly on… the white crown of roses, the rule of life… but the starkness of the black veil leaves an impression.

Profession of vows is a wedding – of a different sort. There is an invisible Groom and the cross for a wedding present. The veil is black, and the radiant young bride is also a widow, at once united to her groom and awaiting the final consummation – the eternal wedding banquet when the end will run into the beginning, and the shadow of the cross gives way, forever, to the Light of the Resurrection.

Some things are worth waiting for.

Please pray for the new bride.

Sr. Clare Matthiass, CFR

Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent

Bronx, NY