The 26th of December was the Feast of the Holy Family. It is always interesting to hear what the priest is going to say about the readings on this day.
However, we were really surprised when the priest announced that there were going to be 23 marriages during Mass. This was not a Las Vegas style group wedding. Each couple took their vows individually, exchanged rings, and had their blessing and applause. Needless to say, Mass was a little long that day (more than 3 hours!), but the kids did very well, despite not being able to see much. The brides all wear their traditional dress and then a white veil. Many couples here are together, but not officially married, so the priest was very happy that so many couples were getting married. His homily was excellent and he remarked that we should look to the Holy Family as our model for marriage. The Holy Family did have to endure many trials in their life together from doubt over an immaculate conception to living in a foreign land to having a child that they had to let go of.
