After the vows, the couple's best man and maid of honor draped a lasso (a large rosary) over them, symbolizing the bond of marriage. Then it was Bethzy's turn.
As Father Thomas Murphy, pastor of St. Agnes, bent to give her the Eucharist, she was captivated, never taking her eyes from the priest.
Sister Margaret said Mirta has always taught her daughters about their faith and Bethzy couldn't wait to receive Jesus. "Last week, Bethzy was sticking her tongue out at her nurse and I said to her, 'what would Jesus think of that?' and she lowered her head and got very quiet," said Sister Margaret.
Following the ceremony, there was a reception in the parish hall, complete with a DJ playing Disney tunes, a face painter and a three-tiered cake with a bride and groom on one layer and a Communion figurine on the top.
Karine Hollander, president and CEO of Make-a-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, said they would have had the reception anywhere, but the family wanted it here at the parish so their community of friends could be there.
Among the special guests were Mickey and Minnie Mouse, courtesy of costumes provided by Make-A-Wish and the beyond-the-call-of-duty dedication of Sister Margaret and fellow Dominican Sister Lynn Queck, who donned the giant heads and shoes and mingled with the guests.
Sister Lynn is a chaplain at Stony Brook University Medical Center where Bethzy requires frequent treatments.
"She is a real special little girl. She brings such joy to the floor," Sister Lynn said. "Her mother never leaves her side and she always receives Communion when she is at the hospital. Then her mother blesses Bethzy and she lights up."
Parishioners came together to make this event special for the Bran-Lopez family, Sister Margaret said. A group came in to set up tables and chairs and decorate. There was catered food and special treats made by parishioners to personalize the event.
"This family has so many hard times," said Sister Margaret. "They have love and strong faith. We can't change their situation but we could help them have that special night and that happy memory."
Posted with permission from The Long Island Catholic, official newspaper for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y.
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