Learning the changes to the Rite of Marriage

KUALA LUMPUR: A formation on Marriage and Liturgy was held on Nov 18 at the Community Centre of St John’s Cathedral.

One hundred and fifty-one participants from the different parishes attended the formation given by Msgr Leonard Lexson, the chairman of the Archdiocese Liturgy Commission of Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese.

This formation was held to give a better understanding on some of the changes to the Rite of Marriage which will come into effect on the First Sunday of Advent (Dec 3) for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

After Lauds, Msgr Lexson led the participants through the historical development of the sacrament. He spoke, using scripture references, and the social customs and practices of the time to help the participants understand how the marriage rite has evolved.

He spoke on two areas: the order of celebrating marriage within Mass and without Mass.

For the celebration within Mass, he informed the participants on the two forms available for the priest to greet the couple.

He also explained some of the changes in the wordings which bring about a deeper understanding of the sacrament.

The books on the new rite were given to the clergy a couple of months ago. A session for the clergy will be arranged next year.

Archbishop Julian Leow was also present at the formation. “It is good for us to go through and understand the changes before giving sessions for couples intending to marry.”

“Understanding the rites make the sessions more meaningful. However, one of the best ways is to share your lives with these couples,” added Archbishop Leow.

Archbishop Leow asked for the participants’ patience in the implementation process as change is difficult.

Participants were advised to write in to litrugy@archkl.org for further clarification.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online