The Broadway Singing Priest

I think this sweet old priest answered the wrong calling! I nicknamed him Fr Sinatra because of his smooth velvet voice and sky blue eyes. As he performed the wedding, he would belt out one song or build another song into a foot-stomping-arm-waving-body-jumping crescendo. His voice would wrap around each wedding guest like a cashmere shawl and still give you goose bumps. As you exited the massive Mission doors, you felt like you had witnessed a civilized rock concert wedding.

In the beginning, the priest would welcome everyone and say:

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the love of two very special people."

Then he would burst into song;

" They have a dream, a song to sing

To help them cope with anything

If you see the wonder of the fairy tale

You can take the future even if you feel

They believe in angels

Something good in everything they see"

(I Have A Dream lyrics by Abba)

After the official business of exchanging vows and rings, Fr Sinatra would continue,

"I would like to thank the bride and groom for all their hard work in preparing for this special day...after all..."

Singing softly at first;

"The dresses, the flowers, the makeup, the props

The guests that lift you when you're down

The headaches, the heartaches, the backaches, the flops

The groomsmen who escort you down

The beginning when your heart beats like a drum

The ending when the kissing part is so fun

There's no business like wedding business

Like no wedding I know."

(There's No Business Like Show Business lyrics by Rogers & Hammerstein) 

 At this point there are many blessings for the couple since everyone knows, new couples need a lot of prayer! Fr Sinatra would usually add,

"I just want to thank you both for asking me to witness your wedding day and remember me on your 50th Wedding Anniversary."

He would start to croon,

"Think of me

Think of me fondly

When we've said goodbye

Remember me every so often

Promise me you'll both try

On that day- that not so distant day

When you are far away and free

If you ever find a moment

Spare a thought for me."

(Think of Me from The Phantom of the Opera lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Weber)

For the grand finale there is a final prayer done by the priest;

"Now we have come to the conclusion of the wedding. May almighty Father bless you all with many happy years together, so that you may enjoy the rewards of a good life. After all..."

 He would then warble,

"Nothing you can make that can't be made

No one you can save that can't be saved

Nothing you can do, but you can learn to be you

It's easy

All you need is love

All you need is love

All you need is love, love

Love is all you need."

(All You Need is Love lyrics by Lynden Hall)

By the second "All you need is love," all the wedding guests arms are locked around each other, swaying to the music in their pews and belting out the chorus. For good luck, we sing three rounds of the chorus and light matches or hold up cigarette lighters as everyone processes out of the church...humming as they go!