As you prepare to leave the worship space, the Church wants to give you a final blessing for your Catholic wedding. The presider will again stretch out his hands over you and offer one of three closing blessings.
Each of these has its origin in ancient Visigoth wedding blessings. The first three phrases in each of the options are directed toward you as a newly married couple. The Church again lifts up its hopes and dreams for you as you begin to live the married life.
The last phrase of each blessing option includes a more general prayer for the whole assembly, marked by the Sign of the Cross. Just as we begin each Catholic liturgy with the Sign of the Cross, we also end with it. This simple gesture reminds us that in both our comings and our goings, every aspect of our lives is permeated by the love of Christ.