Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez

Family and friends created a tunnel for the newlyweds to run through as they waved goodbye while holding light-up streamers. Mary and Will radiated joy as they made their way through the tunnel, then disappeared into the elevator. The reception room still buzzed with joy from the day’s celebration and the new marriage we witnessed together. Family and friends gathered round, still chatting and laughing. With our work for the day complete, we began packing up our gear to go home. That’s when John, Mary’s father, came over to thank us and say goodbye. Since we were near the table that had once held the wedding cake, the topic of conversation turned to the cake cutting. As is tradition at military weddings, Mary and Will cut their cake with a military sword. John told us then that it was, in fact, his sword from his days in the Navy that they used. He recounted the emotions that washed over him when he found out that they would be using his sword instead of Will’s, and how he had thought, “I hope they didn’t use my sword just to make me happy, because I’m already happy.”

“I’m already happy.” This happiness he spoke of sounds so complete, like nothing additional could improve it. A happiness like that can only come from God’s goodness. Joy that comes purely from earthly things will eventually fade away and can always be added to. What John was rejoicing in was the eternal goodness and truth of the union between his daughter Mary and son-in-law Will. During his toast to the couple, he mentioned that their family is now complete, since all three of his children have entered into their vocations. He also welcomed not only Will into their family, but also Alicia and Filberto, Will’s parents. Marriage blends families. It’s more than just a husband and wife becoming one; the immediate families they came from change to incorporate each other, too.

If John ended the day feeling happy, how much more so were the Heavenly Father and the Church happy with the events of the day? In the Nuptial Mass’s Introductory Rite, we heard, “We have come rejoicing into the house of the Lord for this celebration, dear brothers and sisters, and now we stand with Mary and Will on the day they intend to form a home of their own.” Like their immediate families, which have now grown and changed, so too has their family, the Church. We go rejoicing into the house of the Lord on account of their union. The establishment of their marriage will strengthen and help each of them to become great saints, and their marriage will strengthen and help those around them to become great saints, too. Mary and Will already live their lives selflessly and have devoted themselves to serving their country and others. Their vocation will be an extra avenue of grace to help them love everyone around them with the Heart of Christ.

Mary and Will, right behind where you sat for your nuptial Mass stood a beautiful statue of Jesus and His Sacred Heart. It’s as if God Himself was trying to communicate His desire for you both to love each other and those around you the way He does. You are both so dearly loved by everyone who celebrated with you on your wedding day, and it’s obvious why—we love you, too, and we’ve only hung out twice! You’re both warm, present, and peaceful, and you help bring the best out of others. We’re so excited to see how God continues to grow and change you by the grace of your marriage. Be assured of our continued prayers for you!

Love,

Amy and Kyle