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veil, twisting and folding them “three” times, signifying the seven
sacraments and the Holy Trinity. For the Knānites, the sacrament of
marriage and the family formed by that sacrament are called to manifest
21
Trinitarian Love.

4.1.4 To Transmit Life

Magisterium Southist Family Custom
of Pope John Paul II

Familiaris Consortio 28-35, Solemn Reception by the Mother of the
50 Bridegroom (Ch. 3.7.9.1), (Ch.
Centessimus Annus 39 3.7.9.1.1)
Gratissimam Sane 7, 8 Most Solemn Blessing by the Mother of
Evangelium Vitae 6, 43, 59, the Bride (Ch. 3.7.9.3), (Ch. 3.7.9.3.2)
88
Song of Blessing (Ch. 3.7.9.3.1)
Sending of the Pregnant Wife (Ch.
3.8.3)

The Catholic Church considers that marriage is founded upon love
and that this love be ever open to life. The fundamental task of the family is
to serve life. Pope John Paul II made this clear: “Precisely because the love
of husband and wife is a unique participation in the mystery of life and of
the love of God Himself, the Church knows that she has received the special
mission of guarding and protecting the lofty dignity of marriage and the
22
most serious responsibility of the transmission of human life”. Pope John
Paul II reaffirmed this when he asserted: “It is a responsibility which
reaches its highest point in the giving of life through procreation by man and
23
woman in marriage”.

The Solemn Reception by the Mother of the Bridegroom and the
Most Solemn Blessing by the Mother of the Bride are the two most important
Knānāya family customs that reflect and radiate the mission of Christian
family to be a Sanctuary of Life. These Knānite traditions explain that

21 Cf. PULLAPPALLY, JOHN P. M., “Socio-religious Customs of Knānites” (Malayalam),
in J. VELLIAN (ed.), Symposium on Knānites, The Syrian Church Series, Vol. XII,
Kottayam, 1986, p. 106.
22
Familiaris Consortio, no. 29.
23 JOHN PAUL II, Encyclical Letter, Evangelium Vitae, no. 43, 25 March, 1995, in AAS 87,
1995, pp. 401-522.

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