Deborah Chan
Wedding rings are often blessed by a priest during the wedding ceremony. However, some couples may choose to have their rings blessed separately, either before or after the wedding. In some cases, individuals may also request a priest to bless a new wedding ring if the original one is lost, damaged, or no longer fits. While the blessing of wedding rings is a common practice, it is not a sacrament, and the specific rituals and prayers used may vary depending on the religious tradition and the preferences of the couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When is the ring blessed? | During the wedding ceremony |
| Who blesses the ring? | A priest or deacon |
| What does the priest/deacon say when blessing the ring? | "May the Lord bless these rings, which you give to each other as a sign of love and fidelity" or "Bless, O Lord, these rings which we bless in your name, so that those who wear them may remain entirely faithful to each other and abide in peace." |
| What does the ring symbolise? | A symbol of devotion and love, a sign of the wearer's most significant meanings, a sign of alliance, a symbol of the sincerity and permanence of love, a reminder of creation, a reminder of a particular creation: the union of one man and one woman |
| What does the circle shape symbolise? | Totality, wholeness, perfection, the self, infinity, eternity, timelessness |
| What does the ring exchange signify? | A visible declaration of the husband and wife's commitment to one another |
| What does the ring exchange phrase typically include? | "With this ring, I promise to wed" |
| What does the blessing prayer for the rings include? | "Bless these rings that we are blessing in the name of the Lord. May you always have a strong faith in one another. In harmony, goodwill, and love. We make this request through Christ, our Lord." |
What You'll Learn
- Priests can bless wedding rings at any time, not just during the wedding ceremony
- Wedding rings are blessed in the name of the Lord
- The blessing of the rings signifies the couple's commitment to one another
- The couple can also bless the rings themselves
- The blessing of the rings is a solemn ritual that elevates the rings to a sacred sign of alliance
Priests can bless wedding rings at any time, not just during the wedding ceremony
Wedding rings are often blessed by a priest during the wedding ceremony. However, priests can bless wedding rings at any time, not just during the wedding ceremony. For instance, a priest may bless a replacement wedding ring for a couple who have lost or damaged their original rings. In such cases, the priest may offer to pray for the couple's marriage rather than simply blessing the ring.
The blessing of wedding rings is a sacramental act, and the blessing is typically performed by making the sign of the cross over the rings and saying a prayer. The prayer may include words such as:
> "May the Lord bless these rings, which you will give to each other as a sign of your love and fidelity."
The couple then exchanges the rings, promising love and fidelity and invoking the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The blessing and exchange of rings in the name of the Triune God elevate this ritual to a solemn level, and the rings become a sacred sign of the couple's alliance. The circular shape of the rings is also significant, symbolizing totality, wholeness, perfection, infinity, and timelessness.
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Wedding rings are blessed in the name of the Lord
The blessing of wedding rings is often done by a priest or deacon during the wedding ceremony itself. Standing before the congregation, the priest offers a prayer, invoking the Triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. With the sign of the cross made over the rings, the priest beseeches the Lord to bless these rings as a sacred sign of the couple's love and devotion to each other. This blessing transforms the rings into more than just jewellery; they become a reminder of the holy covenant entered into on the wedding day.
The shape of the wedding ring, a circle, holds deep meaning. It symbolises totality, wholeness, eternity, and the unending nature of true love. The circle also represents the world, portrayed as a sphere, reminding us of creation and the union of one man and one woman in holy matrimony. The exchange of rings is a powerful statement of the couple's intention to love, honour, and cherish each other for the rest of their lives, with God as their witness and blessing.
The blessing of wedding rings is not limited to the wedding day itself. In cases where a ring is lost, damaged, or replaced, couples may seek the blessing of a new ring. This act is not mere superstition but a way to reaffirm their commitment and invite God's continued presence in their marriage. The priest or minister may offer a prayer of blessing over the new ring, similar to the one offered during the wedding ceremony, asking for God's peace, favour, and grace upon the couple.
The blessing of wedding rings is a beautiful tradition that unites the physical and the spiritual. It serves as a reminder that marriage is not just a legal contract but a sacred covenant, sanctified by God's presence and blessing. Through the blessing of the rings, the couple invites the Lord to be at the centre of their union, guiding them with love, harmony, and goodwill throughout their lives together.
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The blessing of the rings signifies the couple's commitment to one another
Wedding rings are often blessed by a priest during the wedding ceremony itself. The blessing of the rings is a significant part of the wedding ritual, signifying the couple's commitment to each other. The circular shape of the ring is a symbol of totality, wholeness, eternity, and timelessness. It represents the unending nature of the couple's love and their commitment to be together forever.
The blessing of the rings is usually accompanied by an exchange of vows and rings. The priest blesses the rings with a prayer, such as "May the Lord bless these rings, which you give to each other as a sign of love and fidelity", or "Bless, O Lord, these rings, which we bless in your name, so that those who wear them may remain entirely faithful to each other, abide in peace, and live always in mutual charity." The couple then exchanges rings, with the husband and wife saying, "Receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are invoked."
The blessing of the rings is a powerful symbol of the couple's commitment to each other and their promise to love and honour each other for the rest of their lives. It is a sacred ritual that elevates the exchange of rings to a solemn and sacred level, reminding the couple of their vows and the seriousness of their union.
In some cases, couples may need to replace their wedding rings due to loss, damage, or weight gain. In such situations, they may return to the church and ask the priest to bless the new ring. This act of blessing the new ring is not just about the ring itself but also an opportunity for the couple to renew their vows and pray for their marriage.
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The couple can also bless the rings themselves
> We pray to Adonai, our God and the creator of the universe, for your blessing on these rings as reminders of the bride and groom’s commitment to one another on this special day and every day for the rest of their lives together as well as symbols of their love and union.
> Bless these rings, symbols of eternity and forgiveness. A reminder that love is never-ending, but instead can be renewed at any time and place of our choosing. May these rings grace the loving hands of [name] and [name] with a joyful and nurturing presence, symbolic of the eternal love and faithfulness they pledge to one another.
The couple can also choose to have a ring warming ceremony, which is a custom that dates back to Ireland but is now followed at weddings all over the world. During a ring warming ceremony, the wedding bands are passed among the guests, who "warm" the rings with a prayer, well-wishes, or good vibes for the couple's future together.
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The blessing of the rings is a solemn ritual that elevates the rings to a sacred sign of alliance
In a Catholic wedding, the priest blesses the rings as a sign of love and fidelity before they are exchanged after the vows. The priest makes the sign of the cross on the rings and says, "May the Lord bless these rings, which you will give to each other as a sign of your love and fidelity." This blessing ritual is considered a sacramental, similar to the blessing of other religious objects such as crucifixes, statues, and rosaries.
The act of blessing the rings is not limited to the wedding ceremony itself. Couples may seek to have their new or replacement wedding rings blessed by a priest at any point in their married lives. This can be due to various reasons, such as loss, damage, or weight gain, as mentioned in one source. The blessing of a new ring can be an opportunity for the couple to renew their vows and reinforce the sacredness of their union.
The blessing ritual can vary, but it typically involves prayers and well-wishes for the couple. In some cases, the couple may wish to share their own words about what the rings signify to them. The priest may also offer to pray for the couple's marriage and their life together. This adds a personal and intimate dimension to the blessing ritual.
The blessing of the wedding rings is a powerful symbol that transforms the rings into sacred tokens of the couple's commitment and love for each other. It is a ritual that elevates the significance of the rings and seeks God's blessing and protection over the marriage. Whether done during the wedding ceremony or at a later date, the blessing of the rings is a meaningful tradition that reinforces the spiritual nature of the marital union.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a priest can bless a new wedding ring. In fact, it is a common practice for priests to bless wedding rings during the wedding ceremony itself.
Blessing a wedding ring is a way to invoke God's presence and ask for His blessing on the marriage. It is a way to elevate the ritual of exchanging rings to a solemn level and symbolise the couple's commitment to each other.
Yes, a priest can bless a replacement wedding ring. It is not uncommon for people to return to their church and ask for a new ring to be blessed, especially if they feel a connection to their original ring.
In most cases, priests will explain that the proper blessing for wedding rings occurs during the marriage ceremony in a church. However, there may be exceptions, and it is best to discuss your specific situation with your priest.
During the wedding ceremony, the priest typically makes the sign of the cross on the rings and says, "May the Lord bless these rings, which you will give to each other as a sign of your love and fidelity."
