The rubric for the blessing mentions the priest’s bodily action:
74. Then the Priest, with hands extended over the bride and bridegroom, continues:
O God, who by your mighty power …
The same three options are given as in the previous edition of the Rite. The full text of version one is offered here. Certainly these prayers deserve an in-depth examination and commentary. But that would entail several posts to do it justice, so let’s skip ahead for now to the rest of the Nuptial Mass:
75. The prayer Lord Jesus Christ is omitted, and The peace of the Lord is said immediately.
Then the bride and bridegroom and all present offer one another a sign, in keeping with local customs, that expresses, peace, communion, and charity.
76. The bride and bridegroom, their parents, witnesses, and relatives may receive Communion under both kinds.
A few comments here. First, even in time of pandemic, a minister cannot lawfully omit the offering of peace. Bishops can regulate how it is to be done, without physical contact, or at a distance. They can also urge more or less decorum in the expression, as can pastors of parishes.
Perhaps in a time of pandemic, couples will decline to receive from the Cup. It strikes me as curious a prospect as a newly ordained priest declining at his ordination.
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.
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