Salesian Bond

Sep 10

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, with the newlywed Mr. & Mrs. Vince & Nikki Cotter!

September seems to rival June as a favorite month for weddings. This fall, I will be officiating at five weddings for former students and friends. When I meet with the engaged couple, we talk about the many selections from the Scriptures that can be chosen for the Liturgy of the Word. One New Testament reading that seems to be a popular choice for the nuptial mass is the Letter to the Colossians. In Chapter 3, St. Paul tells us: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection (Col. 3:13-14).”

This letter describes the virtues and responsibilities of any believer, but it is a special reminder for a couple to begin their married life together. They need to support one another each day and strengthen their sacramental bond through love.

As the priest who works with the couple for many weeks and months preparing for their wedding day, I get to witness their bond deepen and grow. As a teacher and administrator, I am privileged to see my former students grow in their faith, hope, and love. I also get to see the many bonds that unite the bride and groom: families, friends, classmates, colleagues, and neighbors. On the wedding day, these bonds all come together at the altar, where we unite ourselves with the Lord and one another.

This past weekend, I was privileged to be part of the wedding of a former student from Father Judge High School in Philadelphia. He was marrying a young woman from Padua Academy in Wilmington, DE. The wedding party was made up of “Judge guys,” “Padua girls,” and one Salesianum graduate. All of them were brought together at St. Anthony’s Church, the Oblate parish in Wilmington.

The Salesian spirit was alive and well before the wedding. The groomsmen remembered and prayed the Direction of Intention (the Father Judge version) before the rehearsal. The Padua sisterhood was still strong as the bridesmaids recounted the many times they worshipped at St. Anthony’s during their high school years.

The unity that these young men and women experienced in high school was evident in the friendships they maintained and the connections that continued as they emerged into adulthood. The Salesian Spirituality that influenced their formative years was still forming them and inspiring them.

St. Francis taught us that “we have no bond, but the bond of love.” He knew that true connections are found through love of God and neighbor. This bond is more enduring than any other. Love is the foundation for every relationship and the path to perfect union with God.

As the wedding season continues this month, may the bond of love unite all brides and grooms, but also their families and friends (and even former teachers).