A unique ceremony for bewildered bride and groom
On Thursday, August 29, the San Sebastian Martyr parish in San Sebastián de los Reyes will host an extraordinary event: 18 couples will say ‘I do’ in a single ceremony. This initiative, promoted by the priest Javier Sánchez-Cervera, is born from his concern for the decrease in the number of couples who decide to get married.
A reflection of today’s society
Sánchez-Cervera has observed a remarkable change in family and social dynamics, where it is increasingly common for couples to choose to live together without formalizing their commitment. According to his observations, the increasing secularization and the small role of the Church in everyday life have contributed to this trend, with only 16% of marriages celebrated in Spain in 2021 performed by the Church.
Facilitating the path to love
The rector emphasizes that his intention is to make marriage more accessible. “Many people want to get married, but logistical and financial complications often prevent them. Social pressure and the cost of events have become important obstacles,” he explains in an interview with Europa Press.
A no-cost model for newlyweds
With the collaboration of the local community, the parish will take care of all the details of the ceremony: from the flowers to the music to the make-up and hair services. Thus, the newlyweds will not have to face any expenses, which is a relief for many couples who have given up on the idea of marriage for financial reasons.
Diversity between couples
The profile of the newlyweds is varied: from young people to middle-aged people who, due to various circumstances, had put aside the idea of marriage. Many of them, with children, see this opportunity as a way to formalize their love and commitment.
An initiative with a future
Faced with the success of the ceremony, the priest expresses the desire to turn these macro weddings into a regular event. “The idea is that the Church can offer more opportunities for people to get married, creating an inclusive space for everyone,” he says. They are currently working on a report to analyze the impact of the initiative and study the feasibility of repeating it in the future.
