Couples united in the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Mary’s Cathedral

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, St. Mary’s Cathedral was filled with joy as 29 couples, many of whom had been married civilly for years, came forward to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. This diocesan celebration, called Sacred Grace, was organized through the collaboration with the Permanent Deacons, the Pastoral Centre, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. 

For months leading up to the liturgy, the couples had been preparing for this day. They gathered documents, took part in interviews and formation, and prayed together as they readied themselves for the sacrament. Their anticipation showed both at the rehearsal and on the day itself, so much so that Bishop William McGrattan began Mass ten minutes earlier than scheduled!

​We are grateful for the many people who supported this celebration. Much of the work occurred quietly in the background through countless meetings and preparations: gathering paperwork for each couple, planning the rituals, rehearsing the music, preparing the altar, coordinating the dress rehearsal and reception, and ensuring that every liturgical minister was ready to serve. We give thanks to our permanent deacons, St. Mary's Cathedral's staff, and the Pastoral Centre team, whose careful work in organizing and preparing the paperwork for each couple made this day possible.

Couples and guests were welcomed into the church through a white threshold prepared by the Cathedral team, and greeted by ushers with warm hospitality. A choir of youth and young adults from Calgary led the faithful in sacred music, with Gregorian chant antiphons, hymns, and choral works fitting for the occasion, accompanied by the pipe organ. The beauty of the ritual brought glistening eyes to many as the liturgy unfolded. While Bishop McGrattan was the principal celebrant, the couple’s bond in the Sacrament of Matrimony was witnessed by clergy assigned to each couple, who assisted the Bishop as vows were exchanged and rings were blessed.

In his homily, Bishop McGrattan reminded the couples that marriage is not only about the bond between two people but about their union with the Lord. “The grace of God and the Holy Spirit have been at work in your lives, calling you together,” he said. “Now, in this sacramental marriage, you are one with your partner and also one with the Church.”

Reflecting on the first reading from Tobit, Bishop McGrattan drew attention to Tobias and Sarah praying together on their wedding night. “Every prayer should begin with gratitude,” he said. “Tobias acknowledges that their union was intended by God from the very beginning. I hope for all of you that the words of Tobias will ring true, that you grow old together.”
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The Bishop also spoke about the challenges of marriage, noting that fidelity in difficult times reveals God’s own fidelity. “Even in your challenges, where you are faithful to one another, you are nearer to God,” he said.

He reminded the couples that marriage is both for mutual love and for openness to life. It is the vocation of spouses to become co-creators with God and to witness to the faith within their families, the “domestic church.” This is the grace of sacramental marriage: a bond that God transforms into a sacred covenant, reflecting His eternal love. While civil marriages are legally valid, the Church teaches that they “lack this sacred dimension unless celebrated within the Church.”

We're glad that we finally received the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. A new chapter, level of self-giving and responsibility to us as a couple, our child, family, and community we belong to. We will always keep the unity, fidelity, openness, and help in holiness. We will praise God at all times."

It has long been our wish to begin our married life fully in the presence of God, and through your guidance, support, and prayers, that wish has been fulfilled. Your care and dedication in helping our civil marriage become a sacramental union is truly a wonderful work of God, and we feel deeply blessed."

​[We] are very blessed and we are forever grateful for the diocese included us- civilly married couples , in your mission. We were happy to invite our civilly married friends to take part of this as well and you as instrument made it happen. We thank you, and to all the deacons, service team, couples for Christ , for your continuous prayers, time and effort to make this memorable for us. The bishop’s  homily touched us. Every moment -meetings, practice, holy mass, the Sacrament of Matrimony was perfect. All glory and honour to our Lord!"

It is the presence of the Lord, who reveals Himself and the gift of His grace, that will render your marriage full and profoundly true.” ~Pope Francis 

​The day was a truly visible sign of God’s grace at work in the lives of families, and a reminder that the Sacrament of Matrimony is not only a personal milestone but also a witness that strengthens the entire Church. In this sacrament, Christ is welcomed more deeply into the bond of marriage, blessing the love of spouses and gently guiding them on their journey of faith. 

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Photography by Victor Panillio and Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary.