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Introduction to Matrimony
Matrimony, or marriage, is a sacred covenant within the Catholic Church that reflects the union of Christ and His Church. It is a sacrament of love and commitment between a man and a woman, binding them together for life.
What is Matrimony?
The Sacrament of Matrimony is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to another person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of a man and a woman speaks of family values and also God's values. This union is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring.
The Celebration of Matrimony
A Catholic wedding typically takes place during a Mass and includes several key moments: the exchange of vows, the nuptial blessing, and the giving and receiving of rings. The couple administers the sacrament to each other by their mutual consent to marry, which the priest or deacon witnesses.
The Role of the Couple
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, the man and woman pledge to love and honor each other for life. They promise to be faithful in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, and to be open to the gift of children, reflecting God’s plan for their union.
The Grace of the Sacrament
Matrimony gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved His Church. The grace of the sacrament perfects the couple's human love, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.
The Domestic Church
The family born from a sacramental marriage is often referred to as the "domestic church." It is the first school of Christian life and a church in miniature. In it, parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children.
Living Out Matrimony
Married life is a journey that involves joy and challenges. The couple is called to grow together in love and holiness, supporting each other and reflecting God's steadfast love in their commitment to one another.
Conclusion
The Sacrament of Matrimony is a vocation to holiness and service within the couple's own relationship and in their family. It is a sign of unity, fidelity, and the nurturing love that fosters life and community, celebrated between a man and a woman as instituted by God and affirmed by Church teachings.