Page 451 - Special Occasion Prayers

Holy Matrimony 451

CEL: Lord Christ, look favorably upon this couple. May the in-
tercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. our mother, and St Jo-
seph, the head of the Holy Family, help them prosper in their
family life. May the prayers of all the saints support them all the
way. Lord of all, forever.

ALL: Amen. Lord bless us.

CEL: Blessed be God. the merciful One. Who, out of His im-
mense love, created humankind as male and female, and made
them participate in the work of creation. May He, through the
sacrament of holy matrimony, keep you in pure love and perfect
dedication. May this sacrament empower you to offer your bod-
ies / that are members of the body of Christ / and temples of the
Holy Spirit, as a pleasing and living sacrifice to God. May God
bless you / with the gift of children. May your home prosper in a
communion of prayers. May He fill your life with graces, and
help your hopes and aspirations bloom. May He grant you / lots
of sincere friends to help you in need. May He make you worthy
to offer Him praise, honor and thanksgiving / in the heavenly bri-
dal chamber. May God bless you, the newly wed, and all who
have partaken in this sacred service. Now, always (+) (blesses
all) and forever.

(Presentation of Bouquet to the Blessed Mary).

AVE MARIA

Ave Maria, maiden mild
Oh, listen to a maiden's prayer
For thou canst hear amid the wild
'Tis thou, 'tis thou canst save amid, despair

We slumber safely till the morrow
Though we've by man outcast reviled
Oh maiden, see a maiden's sorrow
Oh mother, hear a suppliant child