Renewing Marriage Vows

[mikeeh]

  		This is correct, of course, although it is not, strictly  speaking,  a renewal of vows but rather a blessing — and in my original  answer I desired  to stick to this precise theme.

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur440.htm
[/INDENT]

Yea, so for the milestones it should be done in a church with a ordained minister. But I assume everything else (all the little ones) is up to the couple.

The only problem I can see would be if it’s done in such a way that it (seems to) be a mockery of the Sacrament of Marriage. Pastorally speaking, I might say to a couple something like this: “do you really think so little of your marriage vows that you are going to renew them while you and everyone else are dressed-up as superheroes?”

It’s just to be different. Finding a new way or place to remember you care for each other and will continue to do so. Aside from everything else you should be doing in the marriage to keep it strong. It’s not about thinking low of the marriage vows, but finding new ways to commemorate them. The examples I gave were a little cheesy. It could be anything really, like an anniversary party on the beach or an all white attire theme.

 

[utah_rose]

My understanding is that marriage vows can not be renewed because they don’t expire. The vows that bind the couple are just as strong fifty years after the wedding as they are the day of.

But I do like the idea of the couple receiving a blessing on special anniversaries.

You can renew your vows because we did! Fifty years ago we were scheduled to be married on September fourth. My husband is an only child and at the time Pres.Kennedy gave an exemption for the draft if you got married by August 25th if you were an only child… We did by our parish priest that night. However, on Sept.4th for our actual wedding, the priest announced we were renewing our vows by order of the bishop! Would have loved to see the congregations faces! Probably thought I was pregnant!

 

[dans0622]

One cannot take the quote out of context.

Canon 1127 is dealing specifically with the situation of mixed marriages.

You only quoted half the sentence. …

Hello,

The context is (was) the same in the 1917 Code. I don’t consider the context to be essential to the discussion since the underlying principle applies across the board: once you are married, you can’t get married (to the same person) again. So, don’t make it look like you are doing that.

Yes, following the books is the way to go.

Dan

 

[Artrina]

Coming out of lurkdom for this…

Why would a couple want to renew their vows? I’ve seen couples who went thru a rough patch in their marriage want to have even a moment with a priest to have their marriage blessed again. My husband and I were separated for 3.5 years, went thru counseling and are planning to have a blessing at Mass on our next anniversary. I can’t explain fully what this means to me, but, it does mean a lot.