Mechelen, December 6th, 2008
Already since 2.00pm people interested had been able to enter the cathedral. It was announced beforehand that 150 people from the audience would be allowed to attend the wedding service in the cathedral. We had no idea how many people had gone inside, but we wanted to stay outside making pictures. However after bride and groom had entered the cathedral someone winked from the door opening that more people could get in. And of course I and some friends now wanted to get in, and we managed to.
Sitting in the back of the cathedral my sight wasn't very good, but it could have been worse. I at least managed to get an order of service for my collection. The church was beautifully decorated with light pink roses (Sweet Avalanche), white asters and white lillies. Several flowerists of the Belgian Flower Arrangement Society had been busy with the decoration since Friday.
The religious wedding service was led by Cardinal Godfried Danneels, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels. He was assisted by Mgr Karl-Joseph Rauber, apostolic nuntius, Mgr Josef de Kesel, Mgr Tomasz Grys, Mgr Mansour Labaky and Canon Georges Vuillermoz (of the Luxemburg court). Also helping were priests from Belgium, France, Luxemburg, Spain and France: Pedro Barajon L.C., Daniel Ange, Jaak bertmans, Jean Meeus, Jacques t'Serstevens, Edouard van de Velde and Jan Arnalsteen. The service was conducted in Dutch, French, German and Latin, as well as some English. It took two hours before everyone could try to leave the cathedral.
The musical setting of the service was by The Brussels Choir Society led by Eric Delson. They were accompanied by organist Denis Vernimmen, the very moving soprano Sarah Van Mol, and trompettists Philippe Lambert and Pascal Donzé.
During the service the bride placed her bouquet at the Maria altar.
Order of service
- Opening of the Celebration:
- Service of the word:
- Examination of the bridal couple and exchanging of consent:
- Eucharistic order of service:
