When planning a wedding, there is so much excitement and joy that comes with it. The anticipation of finally entering into your vocation, with the one that you love sparks so much joy. Along with preparing physically, there is a lot of spiritual preparation that brides go through.
Among all the preparations, parties, and planning, I encourage you to stop and remember the Sacrament that you are about to enter into. One of the most powerful intercessors for bride’s is Mary. Mary has a unique role in the life of Christ and the Church, and I think she also has a special place in her heart for young women who are entering into their vocation. In this blow post, we will explore how Mary’s intercession can help support young brides and newlyweds in their journey of seeking God in their vocation of marriage.
Mary’s Role as a Spiritual Mother
Jesus gave us Mary as our Mother. Just as any mother loves and cares for her children, Mary loves and cares for us and wants the best for each of us. She has deep love and compassion for her children, and we can count on her desire to support brides and newlyweds as they enter into their vocation.
Just like us, Mary had a moment in her life where she was asked to enter fully into the vocation that God was calling her to live. That moment was at the moment of the Annunciation. She said ‘yes’ to God’s will and all that he had planned for her life. Just like Mary, as you pronounce your vows, you will also be saying yes to your vocation and God’s plan for your life. As you enter into your vocation, Mary is there to help and support you and can allow you to have more peace and joy during this major shift in your life.
Mary’s Intercession for Brides During Wedding Planning
One of the stories that the Bible gives to us is the beautiful story of the Wedding at Cana. This beautiful story is an illustration of how Mary intercedes for us, and can intercede for us at our own weddings. In the story, Mary notices a need for the couple – they have run out of wine. There were probably a bunch of ways that Mary could have handled it. She could have ignored it, she could have tried to fix it herself, she could have asked anyone else to help her, but she went straight to Jesus. She knew the power that he had and that he was the right one to help. She interceded for the couple and brought their need straight to Jesus.
This is how she desires to help you on your wedding day. She wants to help bring your troubles and your worries to Jesus so that you can receive peace. On the days leading up to your wedding, ask her to help give you guidance and support with anything that you might be struggling with. She will help you to find the peace and the guidance that you need by bringing your intentions to her son.
Practical Ways to Invoke Mary’s Intercession
In the days leading up to your wedding, and on your wedding day, there are many ways that you could ask for Mary’s intercession. In the days leading up to your wedding, you might feel called to pray the rosary more often, or perhaps you might decide to do a Novena to Mary in the days leading up to your wedding. You might also use another prayer to ask for Mary’s help in your wedding planning.
On your wedding day, there are many things that you could do to incorporate Mary in a special way. You might choose to wear a Marian medal, or other items of jewelry that represent Mary. You could pin a medal to your bouquet, or wrap a rosary around it to carry it down the aisle with you. You could even do something as simple as wearing blue shoes (the color often associated with Mary) to remind you of her.
Another way that couples may choose to honor Mary on their wedding day is by praying the Rosary with their guests. If you choose to see each other before the ceremony, you could lead the rosary together. Or if you choose not to see each other before the ceremony, one of you could be tucked up in the choir loft and the other could be in the back of the church, and you could still lead it together.
A final way you could honor Mary is to present her statue with flowers and then take an intentional moment to pray together in front of her, either during your wedding mass or right after. You can discuss with your priest what the best option is for you.
In Conclusion
Mary is our mother, and as any mother would be, she is eager to help. She will take your prayer intentions to Jesus and walk with you as you prepare and enter into the vocation that God has called you to. I encourage you to take some intentional time during your engagement to deepen your relationship with Mary and invite her to walk with you through your engagement and into your marriage.
May your wedding day be filled with peace and joy, and may our Blessed Mother walk beside you and bring your intentions to Jesus, just as she did at the wedding at Cana.
