Wedding Anniversaries

by Paul Turner

On their wedding day, the couple exchanges their consent. In doing so they pledge their permanent and exclusive commitment to each other. The anniversary becomes a day to celebrate that commitment. By avoiding a direct repetition of the consent on the anniversary day, the church aims to affirm the original exchange.

If Mass is celebrated for the anniversary, the assembly may hear the special prayers provided in the sacramentary. Readings may be drawn from those suggested for weddings in the lectionary. Provision for the anniversary celebration has been part of the church's liturgy for centuries. In 1990 the Vatican approved a Latin text for the anniversary blessing of a couple at Mass, intending its translation into vernacular languages. The ceremony begins after the Liturgy of the Word with a silent renewal of the marriage promises. Each partner then offers a prayer of thanksgiving to God out loud for the gift of this spouse. The priest then prays for the couple and blesses the rings. A blessing of the couple may follow the Lord's Prayer, as the nuptial blessing does in the wedding Mass. More blessings conclude the service.

The wedding anniversary can enliven the entire community by the witness of married love, a sign of God's enduring love for the church.

If you are interested in weddings, take a look at Paul Turner's new book: The Catholic Wedding Answer Book.

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Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.