From the beginning, God created man and woman for each other: “the two become one flesh.” Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding in Cana, showing that He blesses marriage.
Marriage between a baptized man and a baptized woman is a sacrament. It is a sign of the love between Christ and His Church.
The bride and groom are the ministers of this sacrament. They give their consent to each other before a priest or deacon and witnesses.
Christian marriage has these marks:
- Unity: one man and one woman, becoming one in love.
- Indissolubility: the bond lasts for life. Jesus said: “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
- Faithfulness: the spouses give themselves to each other alone.
- Openness to children: love that is generous and welcomes new life.
The family is the “domestic church,” the first school of faith, prayer and love. You help build a holy family through your love, forgiveness, help and prayer.