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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

The Rite of Marriage, Second Edition

Fr. David Friel · March 13, 2016

MPLEMENTATION of the revised rite of marriage has been set. The text, now entitled the Order of Celebrating Matrimony, is mandatory for use beginning December 30, 2016, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The new texts may optionally be used beginning September 8, 2016.

So, what is actually new in this second edition? There are a number of revised elements, as well as a couple of new additions.

First, as noted above, the name of the ritual book has been changed from Rite of Marriage to Order of Celebrating Matrimony. Additionally, the opening notes (or Praenotanda) have been significantly expanded to further explain the theology of Holy Matrimony (now composed of 44 paragraphs, compared with the 18 in the first edition).

Following the entrance procession, the ritual now calls for an introduction to be given by the celebrant. Two sample addresses will appear in the ritual. Just over a year ago, I attended a workshop by Msgr. Richard Hilgartner, executive director of the USCCB Secretariat for Divine Worship. During the workshop, he read to us one of these sample addresses, and it impressed me as a very beautiful and understandable précis on the theology of Holy Matrimony.

The new order makes it clearer that the Penitential Act is to be omitted and that the Gloria is always included at a nuptial Mass. This latter change originally came into force with the 2011 Roman Missal, but it is now being clarified.

The exchange of consent will incorporate two changes. First, there will be a new alternate form that calls upon Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, together with Adam and Eve. Additionally, immediately after the consent is given, a dialogue has been added between the priest & people. The celebrant will say, “Let us bless the Lord,” and the whole assembly will be invited to respond, “Thanks be to God.”

The special remembrance of the newly married couple that was already supplied for the Roman Canon has been matched by similar inclusions for Eucharistic Prayers II and III. There will also be two separate sets of recommended general intercessions included in the rite.

Finally, within each of the four nuptial blessings, there will now be an explicit epiclesis that says: “Send down on them the grace of the Holy Spirit and pour your love into their hearts, that they may remain faithful in the Marriage covenant.”

HIS NEW EDITION will also incorporate two new appendices and two new adaptations. The first new appendix is called an “Order of Blessing an Engaged Couple.” This might be used with benefit as part of parish Pre-Cana programs. The other new appendix will be called the “Order of Blessing a Married Couple within Mass on the Anniversary of Marriage.” Included herein will be sample formulae for the renewal of vows and the blessing of rings (either for the original rings or for new rings).

The two new adaptations will be in addition to the one adaptation already approved in the present ritual (the optional phrasing for the exchange of consent that mentions “for richer or poorer,” etc.). The new adaptations will be for the blessing and giving of the arras (coins) and the blessing and placing of the lazo (veil), both traditions that are popular among couples of Mexican, Filipino, and Spanish descent.

For more information on the significance of the arras and lazo traditions, I highly recommend a very informative article by Michael P. Foley published in Antiphon, journal of the Society for Catholic Liturgy. His article appears in Vol. 18 (2014), no. 2, pp. 115-143, coincidentally two articles before my own article on the Propriety of the Propers.

Apart from the rubric concerning the singing of the Gloria, which has been in force for some time now, these new changes do not seem to affect much regarding the music at nuptial Masses and ceremonies. The changes are, however, significant. It remains to be seen what the published versions of this second edition will look like.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Catholic Wedding Nuptial Mass Music, Nuptial Mass, Society for Catholic Liturgy, USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

At High Mass the Celebrant is not allowed to proceed with the Offertory while the “Credo” is being sung. Likewise he should not proceed with the Consecration until the singing of the “Sanctus” is completed.

— Father Carlo Rossini (1939)

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