YOUCAT*: The Sacrament of Matrimony comes about through a promise made by a man and a woman before God and the church, which is accepted and confirmed by God and consummated by the bodily union of the couple. Because God himself forms the bond of sacramental marriage, it is binding until the death of one of the partners. [1625-1631]
I was in the airport recently and saw a number of women carrying garment bags with, more than likely, their wedding dresses. The summer months are definitely the most popular time to get married.
In marriage, a man and a woman vow their love for each other in an exclusive, permanent, sexual partnership. My grandparents have been married for 64 years, and I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but they’ve lasted because their marriage isn’t only about the two of them, it’s about God, and their children. Marriage is a covenant, a total lifelong commitment that mirrors Christ’s love for his church.
In 2004, the U.S. bishops voted unanimously to make marriage a priority. One result of their ongoing efforts is the website: www.foryourmarriage.org. Our diocesan website has a bunch of information as well: www.catholichawaii.org/catholic-living/vocations/married-life.aspx.
“To love someone means to be the only one to see a miracle that is invisible to others …” —Francois Mauriac
#YearofFaith Challenge: Make time to nurture your married relationship. Pray for, and with, each other.
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry