Matrimonial Ring in the Catholic Rite of Marriage :

Challenges and Opportunities for Alternative African Symbol

Resumo

The exchange of the ring is the main explanatory rite in the Catholic Rite of Marriage. Yet the symbolism of the ring is not clearly understood by many people. One wonders whether it is a liturgical symbol or a marriage symbol presented at a liturgical function. Tracing the origin of the matrimonial ring and its subsequent use in the Catholic Rite of Marriage, the article explores the challenges related to the use of the ring in celebrating and living marriage. These challenges provide opportunities for inculturating Christian marriage celebrations by incorporating African marriage symbols. The article acknowledges that marriage symbols are not homogenous in many African societies, but they reflect similar values. Among such values are: fruitfulness, procreation, resilience, and communitarian nature of marriage.  Any symbol that embodies these values together with love and fidelity could be incorporated into the Catholic rite of Marriage.  It makes a contribution to the scholarship in Sacred Liturgy by proposing inclusion of these values in the formularies for the blessing and exchange of the matrimonial ring.