Living far from my homeland, I rarely have the chance to join family gatherings. So, attending my “baby” sister’s wedding this summer filled me with pure joy and gratitude. As many guests jokingly pointed out, I wore a white dress, complete with a veil, to the wedding. It occurred to me that we both indeed stood as brides before the altar. However, my sister’s beautiful gown was for one day; I wear mine for a lifetime. After the wedding, her wedding ring marks her quietly as a wife, whereas every time someone looks at me, they know, or at least question, what my outfit symbolizes.
What does it truly mean to be a bride? Looking at Ola and Piotr, the answer was beautifully clear. The bride belongs with the bridegroom; “the one who has the bride is the bridegroom” (J 3:29). From now on, many will know Ola first and foremost as Piotr’s wife. Marriage doesn’t erase her identity—it weaves a richer, more vibrant tapestry, completing and deepening who she is. In the same way, when people look at me, I hope they see the Lord’s bride; my foremost identity is belonging to Him. It’s the most precious—and humbling—title I could ever carry. It gives a new and more profound meaning to everything I am and ever wanted to be. The bride has her eyes fixed on her beloved. To belong to Christ is to live in constant awareness of His loving presence and to orient myself toward Him.
As I listened to the wedding sermon, another impression came to mind; one that stems from belonging. The bride’s life is shaped by a shared purpose. Ola and Piotr each bring their own dreams, talents, and passions into marriage, but now they’ll reimagine these together—planning, caring, and growing as one. In the same spirit, the bride of Christ finds fulfillment in loving and nurturing all that belongs to Him: His mission, His Church, His people. These become her own. Christ has given Himself fully to her, and she, in love, steps boldly into His ministry.
This bridal relationship with God isn’t just for those who make religious vows—it’s a universal invitation extended to every heart. One day, we’ll meet Christ, our Hope, face to face, and this longing will be fulfilled. Those called to religious life simply begin living this eternal promise now, as a sign for all. Our witness is not for ourselves alone, but for the world: to proclaim that God is the Bridegroom who longs for us, who claims us as His beloved, and who calls us—whatever our vocation—to journey together toward the joyful feast of the Lamb.
If you are still discerning your particular vocation, I encourage you to attend a wedding sometime soon. In whatever direction you are drawn, it can offer helpful insight and, I hope, much joy.
Ola and Piotr, may God bless you and yours always.
