OCM 71, 202-204: Eucharistic Prayer

If the wedding is at Mass, there is a directive in the rite for the priest:

71. A commmemoration of the husband and wife in the Eucharistic prayer is made with a formula provided in nos 202-204.

I’m not sure this is merely an option for the presider. Clergy, however, find it awkward to drop these additional texts into prayers outside of the usual pattern. I find these are easily forgotten in the heat of Mass.

a) In Eucharistic Prayer I

202. The proper form of the Hanc Igitur (Therefore, Lord, we pray) is said.

The words in parentheses may be omitted, if the occasion so suggests.

Therefore, Lord, we pray:
graciously accept this oblation of our service,
the offering of your servants N. and N.
and of your whole family,
who entreat your majesty on their behalf;
as you have brought them to their wedding day,
so (gladden them with the gift of children they desire and) bring them in your kindness
to the length of days for which they hope.
(Through Christ our Lord. Amen)

Could be broken down into more sentences, but the elevated language doesn’t seem a bother to me.

203. b) In Eucharistic Prayer II

After the words and all the clergy, the following is added:

Be mindful also, Lord, of N. and N.,
whom you have brought to their wedding day,
so that by your grace
they may abide in mutual love and peace.

Simple and concise, as you would expect from the shortest Eucharistic Prayer.

204. c) In Eucharistic Prayer III:

After the words whom you have summoned before you, the following is added:

Strengthen, we pray, in the grace of Marriage N. and N.,
whom you have brought happily to their wedding day,
that under your protection
they may always be faithful in their lives
to the covenant they have sealed in your presence.
In your compassion, O merciful Father,
gather to yourself all your children
scattered throughout the world.

The first phrase can be awkward if not prepared. This is an example of poor grammar in the English translation. That first line is better proclaimed as a single sentence. Next, instead of “whom you,” a simple declarative sentence beginning “You have brought them happily …” would be far better.

For you wedded folk out there: did the priest include these insertions? Did he skip? Did you care?

The text cited in red are rubrics and bold black are ritual text from the English translation of The Order of Celebrating Matrimony © 2013, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.