In Ireland we recall the tradition of the parents of the new bride and groom presenting them with a Saint Brigid’s Cross on the day of the Celebration of their Marriage – from family of origin to the newly married couple – from ancestral homes to new home and inspired by the golden Saint Brigid’s Cross on the front cover of the Rite of Marriage/Gnás an Phósta for Ireland, published by VERITAS which includes in the Irish language the special blessing for the newly married bride and groom and the whole community to which they belong with a Saint Brigid’s Cross.

Inspired by all of this, a Saint Brigid’s Marriage Prayer Cross was designed working with the prisoners at Arbour Hill Prison, Dublin who created in wood a Saint Brigid’s Marriage Cross with the addition of two united Marriage rings.

Prayer

Leader: The peace of the Father be with you,
The peace of Christ be with you.
The peace of the Spirit be with you,
Every day and night. Amen.
All: Every day and night. Amen.

Leader: May the Father protect you.
May Christ protect you.
May the Spirit protect you.
Every day and night of your life. Amen.
All: Every day and night of your life. Amen.

Leader: The blessing of the Father come upon you.
The blessing of Christ come upon you.
The blessing of the Spirit come upon you.
Until you are crowned with eternal life. Amen.
All: Until you are crowned with eternal life.  Amen.

Leader: May God prosper you from Samhain to St Brigid’s Day to May Day,
from May Day to Lúnasa,
and from Lúnasa to Samhain,
and may almighty God bless you: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  All: Amen.

Leader: Go now safe in the peace of Christ.

All: Thanks be to God.

Marriage Blessing of Saint Brigid, A Wedding of Your Own/The Family Prayer Book, VERITAS, adapted