friend of ours, a neighbor from across the street. The wedding and ceremony was held at Oheka Castle in Huntington.
Okeka is a most impressive and grand structure (for you TV buffs, the Castle is a fixture in the USA show Royal Pains). It was a beautiful backdrop for what turned out to be a most unique and beautiful wedding ceremony.
After we arrived, we were escorted into a huge stone reception hall. A string quartet playing Chopin greeted us as we found our seats. As we anticipated the wedding party's entrance, we were able to watch the sunset from, I have since learned, is the highest natural point on Long Island. After the bridal party entered, the quartet switched to the familiar strains of Here comes the Bride. J was escorted down the aisle by both her proud parents. She looked stunningly beautiful.
The celebrant, Fr. Tom was not vested formally; he wore a simple clerical suit and collar. Fr. Tom left the readings of this simple ceremony up the the cherished family and firends of the bride and groom. The familiar wise words about love from Corinthians were heard, along with rich poetry from the likes of ee cummings.
After the traditional priestly blessing, Fr. Tom requested the congregation take some vows of their own. He asked up if we...as the family and loved ones of the bride and groom..would be there for support and advice. We said we would. He asked us if we would be present, if not in body then in spirit, for the couple. We said we would. In short, Fr. Tom was exhorting ALL of us, as representatives of God's Community or Ekklesia (Greek for CHURCH), to witness this collectively, to be the offical celebrant to the Sacrament along with him.
Then Fr. Tom asked us to raise our hands. He, in all our names, bequeathed our collective blessing on the newly married couple, that they may smile upon each other's lives and walk life's journey together. I have never felt so much a part of a wedding ceremony since my wife and I were married. A wedding is the recognition of Love from the community, the Church, the Ekklesia. Fr. Tom included us in that honor, that reponsibility, instead of simply relegating us to spectators.
An interesting note about the priest; Fr. Tom had been a Roman Catholic priest, actually served at my home parish when we moved ot Levittown. From what I understand, he fell in love with a woman, and so had to discontinue his ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. However, Holy Orders like Baptism leaves and indelible mark on the soul; Fr. Tom could not discontinue being a priest any more than he could become un-baptized. He continues to minister as an indpendent priest to those who need him, sacramentally and pastorally. Please follow the link to his website and learn more about this wise and courageous clergyman.
Daily Mass Readings
Sirach 15:15-20
Psalm 119:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Matthew 5:17-37
Tom, this is beautiful. Thank you for being part of our family of friends and sharing this special day with us. Clara
ReplyDeleteClara,
ReplyDeleteIt was absolutely our honor and privilege to be there. Thanks YOU and Mark for including us amongst your family and friends!
And tell Mark his speech WASN'T too long.