Ruben and Martha were ready to make the announcement of their engagement to the group of Solteros (single men and women) in March, just when the Covid-19 virus shut down all meetings and gatherings. So, our couple helped to initiate the virtual communication, socialization and daily (virtual) reality of which we are all familiar.


Ruben and Martha enjoying the drive-by parade.

When policies loosened up in many states of the USA, the virus was just arriving in our area and so our state of Tamaulipas tightened down. The faithful have not confessed nor received the Eucharist here in northern Mexico for a full five months.


Ruben and Martha with the women of the Solteras household with whom Martha lived.

All of the canonical presentations and paperwork for celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony were complete to the satisfaction of the pastor at their parish. With no way of knowing when things would loosen-up, Ruben and Martha investigated their possibilities and decided to forego the big celebration with family and friends present at Mass. They were married in early August at a smaller church, with ten people present (the limit set by the diocesan policy) as witnesses and grateful members of the communion of saints who were present physically. Many others celebrated in the heavens and in spiritual communion with them. In lieu of the longed-for reception, families, friends and well-wishers filed by Ruben’s house in a drive-by parade waving signs, honking and joyfully shouting their blessings upon the newlyweds.