Our Vow Renewal

On Easter Wednesday, April 7, 2010, we renewed our marriage vows at the Galway Cathedral. I had contacted the parish a few months prior, inquiring whether it was possible to do so. They quickly responded that, yes, we would be most welcome to do so during our stay.

As instructed, we met with Monsignor Sean O'Flargherty in the Sacristy prior to the start of the 11 o'clock Mass. He was delighted to see us and had been expecting us. We had a great chat with him and he asked us if we would like to light a unity candle on the altar as we did on our wedding day. We followed him out to the altar and together, John & I lit the flame. He ended up sending us home with the pillar, so we could light it again and again throughout our marriage. He also shared with us a special Irish tradition in regards to candles. On Christmas Eve, you will find lit candles in windows throughout the Isle, as a symbol to Christ and any friends who seek shelter that there is room for them at their "Inn". We loved that.

The Monsignor began the celebration of the Mass and mentioned that we would be renewing our vows. He continued to make mention of us throughout the Mass and during his homily, focused on our marriage and marriage in general, comparing it to the unity candle we had lit--that at times the flame may flicker, but with continued and renewed love and devotion, the flame would always grow again in brightness.

Saying our vows again, three and a half years and one beautiful child into our marriage--they held a whole new meaning--a deeper, more real meaning. We felt so blessed to be doing this. After we said our vows--which unlike the first time I did not make through with dry eyes!--the Monsignor blessed the ring and we exchanged a sign of love. After our kiss, he reminded us to "do that everyday."

The ring we chose to renew our vows with held a very special significance--it was given to me by my Nana when I was 15 and was given to her by my mother's Irish father, Edwin McCormick--the grandfather I never met. We felt it perfectly fitting to use this ring for that very reason.

After Mass concluded, we were so taken by how many parishioners, at least 15, came up to our pew to offer congratulations to us and God's blessings. They were so excited for us--it was so joyous. When we exited the Cathedral into the sunlight, John turned to me and said, beaming--"That was amazing."

His comment really was the best way to sum up simply the whole experience. The Monsignor's welcoming spirit, the beautiful Mass with his kind words, the strangers-turned new friends offering heartfelt congratulations--it was all as amazing as the first time around.

The exterior of this beautiful building.


The interior.
I love all the elements captured here--the Easter candle & lilies, the altar, the crucifix and the banner with the mystery of our faith.

In many Irish churches, particularly the older ones, there are kneelers surrounding the altar. During Communion, parishioners come up to the altar and kneel to receive the gifts.

Saying our vows.


Blessing of the ring.
Re-sealing it with a kiss!


These smiles sum it all up :)




We noticed this embedded into the exterior walls and it caught our eye, particularly because it's so representative of our past few years together.

The Sacrament of Marriage
The Sacrament of Baptism