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softball_80

Father of the bride can no longer walk her up the aisle?

softball_80
18 years ago

I'm a Roman Catholic. I have 3 daughters, the oldest of whom is in a serious relationship. He's a nice guy / good job / hard worker. All signs point to him being 'the one'. There are rumors of changes in the wedding ceremony at our parish. Some are - the bride & groom lighting a large ceremonial candle from 2 smaller ones is elimiated. Also the wedding march (here comes the bride) will no longer be played. I can live with those. The one that rubs me the wrong way is this one - the father of the bride is no longer to escort the bride up the aisle. The explaination is that she is not a piece of property to be 'given' away! It has been a dream of mine to do just that with all 3 when the time comes. Does anybody really believe that 'giving' the bride away is anything but symbolic - at least in western culture? I don't know if this is just our pastor's viewpoint, our archdiocese (Phila), or more far reaching. Has anyone who has been involved in a catholic wedding recently ever heard of this? As far as I'm concerned, it's a dealbreaker!!!!! I just hope my girls will back me up in this matter.

P.S. I know that I'm going to cry at the wedding. That's supposed to be the mother's role but even though I try to keep my emotions in check there is no doubt in my mind that it'll happen. I won't really be sad; it's just that flashes of her as a little kid will be going through my mind. I think I'll ask my inner circle of friends and relatives not to try to console me or offer tissues - though well meant, these gestures will only make thing worse. If I can have 2 - 3 minutes to compose myself I'll be fine. And I'm not a girly man!

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