Catholic Wedding in St. Francis Church in Victoria - Essay Example

 Introduction The history of the Catholic Church is traced by scholars and theologians from the time of the twelve apostles nearly 2,000 years ago (Aguilar 2007). Known to be one of the oldest institutions in the world, the Catholic Church is rich with traditions and beliefs seen through the eyes of devotees. In Melbourne, one of the most widely known Catholic churches is St. Francis’ Church in Victoria. Its rich history can be traced in the mid 1800s and continue to influence the spiritual lives of thousands of devotees up to the present times. (Blessed Sacrament Congregation 2009) It is in this regard that this essay is written to present an observation of a wedding as ritual or rite of passage from two separate individuals becoming one. The aim of this observation is to determine and experience the unique celebration of matrimony of a distinct community in Melbourne. The essay would initially discuss a description of St. Francis and continue to illustrate unique characteristics of this ritual as part of the Catholic religion. Description Being considered the oldest Catholic Church in Victoria, St. Francis’ Church humbly stands as an example of grandeur. It has a simple façade but its structure alone overwhelms visitors from all walks of life. When one enters this solemn edifice, any person would be struck by the intricate design and the colorful mosaic of glass etching with vivid illustrations of the first family and saints where the Blessed Sacrament is enthroned. The altar is viewed in simplicity with the crucifix void of designs exemplifying the life that Jesus lived. The rationale might be to prevent churchgoers into being distracted by elaborate designs and colors. It is strategically located at a corner lot for easy accessibility. Theme of the Ritual The ritual identified here is the order of the marriage ceremony including the symbols used. It was fortunate to be accorded the opportunity to observe a wedding of couples who appear to be of Asian descent probably from the Philippines. The St. Francis Church is home to the Filipino community where a special mass schedule has been earmarked every second Sunday of each month at precisely 2:30pm (Blessed Sacrament Congregation 2009). The groom wore a traditional Filipino “barong Tagalog”, made from a cloth known as the jusi fabric woven from banana or abacca plants. (The Utrech Faculty of Education 2002). He stood on the altar patiently waiting for his bride. The guests were of mixed nationalities: from Australia and from their native land. It is highly probable that the couple has migrated to Australia and has spent some years living and working in this part of the world. The parents of the couple, sponsors and guests were all wearing white or light colored formal attire to symbolize purity, happiness and wealth. The wedding entourage, especially the bridesmaids and maid of honor were wearing formal dresses of exactly the same design in the color of lavender. Even the cute little children (including the flower girls and the ring bearer) wear formal attires. The ring bearer, barely five or six years of age, was also wearing the traditional barong Tagalog together with the best man and the rest of the male entourage. The bridal car arrived several minutes later with a bouquet of flowers neatly arranged in the hood. All eyes were on the bride as she emerged from the car, all white with a thinly embroidered veil covering her face and head. Her wedding gown was intricately designed with shining crystals and pearls that glimmer as the shine shone on them. The bridal train was long, about 3 feet from the waistline and carefully hand carried by a more than willing relative. As the bride entered the church, the wedding march begun accompanied by a song wonderfully sung by a designated choir. The couple must have selected the selection of songs in their native language. The melodies were very solemn and romantic, aptly chosen for the occasion. The priest must have been a family friend, because he, too, was a Filipino. He celebrated the mass and the wedding ceremony in their native language. The whole event was solemn but one can feel an aura of excitement, euphoria and calmness in the atmosphere. Everything was orderly and even the small kids were well behaved. The ceremony proceeded with the laying of the matrimonial veil, chord and by the lighting of the candles – all signifying solidity of the union – until the wedding vows were finally said. Candles on the side of both bride and groom are lit, symbolizing God's presence within the union. The veil sponsors draped and pinned the veil (a long white tulle) on the groom's shoulder and over the bride's head to symbolize the union clothed as one. Finally, the loops of a cord (a silken rope, a string of flowers, or links of coins) forming the figure 8 are draped over the shoulders of both bride and groom, to represent the infinite bond of marriage. After the wedding, all family members, relatives and friends took turns in congratulating the bride and groom. Pictures were taken by an official photographer who made sure that the newly wed would cherish and preserve this momentous event forever. Observations of Interest The solemnity of the event was particularly evident for the whole duration of the wedding ceremony. What makes this occasion interesting is the long queue of family, sponsors, entourage who participated in the wedding march. The sponsors alone totaled ten pairs all seemingly belonging to rich families. The church was designed with beautiful white and lavender flowers patterned after their color scheme. Finally, the relatives and friends, and even the priest, appear to have traveled from their native land to Melbourne to be part of this unforgettable event. This ritual depicted the close familial ties of the Filipinos and the importance they relegate to the sacrament of matrimony. Distance did not prevent them to reunite with their loved ones to share the happiness of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Questions for Further Research Of course my very first question, if given the chance to ask, was to confirm the nationality of the couple. This would determine the extent of this couple’s adherence to their native land’s practice of matrimony in relation to defined requirements of the Catholic Church. By affirming this question, further research would validate if this type of ritual is prevalently practiced in their native land or could only be afforded by the upper class. If so, how would the rest of the population practice the sacrament of matrimony? Conclusion Every culture presents a variety of characteristics that have similarities with other cultures. In celebrating the sacrament of matrimony, an observer would be intrigued by the unique and distinct qualities practiced by a particular culture. However, despite some differences, the universality of the concept of love and the value of family relationships remain. Wedding, as a ritual or rite of passage, clearly depicts two people’s journey from being separate to becoming one. As the Catholic religion solidifies the union of man and woman, its rich tradition and heritage is a sight to behold. Each wedding experience promises a unique event, filled with endless surprises and warm emotions that embrace even an observer as part of the memorable event. References Aguilar, M. 2007. The History and Politics of Latin American Theology, Volume 1. London: SCM Press. ISBN 978-0334040231 Blessed Sacrament Congregation 2009. St. Francis’ Church. Viewed 14 September 2009, < http://www.stfrancismelbourne.org.au/> The Utrech Faculty of Education 2002. Barong Tagalog. Viewed 14 September 2009, < http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/clothes2.htm> Read More