A.
The Sacrament of Matrimony is the Sacrament which unites a Christian man and
woman in lawful marriage.
A.
A Christian man and woman cannot be united in lawful marriage in any other way
than by the Sacrament of Matrimony, because Christ raised marriage to the
dignity of a Sacrament.
A.
The bond of Christian marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power.
A.
The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are:
To
sanctify the love of husband and wife;
To
give them grace to bear with each other's weaknesses;
To
enable them to bring up their children in the fear and love of God.
A.
To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the
state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the laws of the Church.
A.
The Church alone has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of
marriage, though the state also has the right to make laws concerning the civil
effects of the marriage contract.
A.
The Church does forbid the marriage of Catholics with persons who have a
different religion or no religion at all.
The
Church forbids the marriage of Catholics with persons who have a different
religion or no religion at all, because such marriages generally lead to
indifference, loss of faith, and to the neglect of the religious education
of the children.
A.
Many marriages prove unhappy because they are entered into hastily and without
worthy motives.
A.
Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving the
Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist; by begging God to grant them a pure
intention and to direct their choice; and by seeking the advice of their
parents and the blessing of their pastors.
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