THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE - Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ

and sized for each other. No other ring may destroy their
exclusive pairing. The two rings represent the very persons of
the spouses. When the husband puts the ring on the finger of
the wife, he symbolically gives himself to his wife, and vice
versa. The words they say to one another are: “Wear this ring
as a sign of my love and loyalty to you. In the name of the
Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
F. What symbolizes the Giving of Arrhae?
The arrhae symbolize material resources or economic
support. They usually come in the form of coins or gold items.
After they are blessed, the husband gives to the wife with two
hands to signify that it is the duty of the husband to financially
support the wife and future family. The wife accepts them with
her two hands also to affirm her primary duty to make the best
use of family resources and keep their household in proper
budget with special attention to the needs of their children.
The husband says the following words to his wife: “I give you
these arrhae as a pledge of my dedication to your welfare. In
the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. “
The wife then answers: “ And I accept them.”
G. What is the Meaning of the Putting of the Veil?
The veil is placed on the spouses which symbolizes their
living together under one roof, dining together in one table,
and sleeping together in one bed. The veil is placed on the
head of the wife to symbolize her pledge of love and service
to her husband. It is placed on the shoulder of the husband to
signify his love and dependability in favor of his wife.
H. What is the Meaning of the Placing of the Cord upon
the Couple?
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