Four weeks and four days to my wedding
Edoardo and I will be in Palermo on Sicily for our wedding, travelling there a week before in order to get the most of a run up before we stand in front of the altar and listen to the Priest as he joins us in the Catholic sacrament of marriage.
The Catholic Sacrament of Marriage (Holy Matrimony) is a lifelong, indissoluble covenant between a baptized man and woman, establishing an exclusive, faithful partnership for mutual holiness and procreation.
As a sacrament instituted by Christ, it symbolizes the union of Christ and the Church, providing grace for the couple to live out their commitment.
Key Aspects of Catholic Marriage
A Covenant, Not Just a Contract: It is a sacred, spiritual bond created before God, not merely a legal agreement.
Indissolubility: The Church teaches that a consummated, sacramental marriage cannot be dissolved except by death.
Requirements: At least one party must be Catholic (both should be baptized), and it is celebrated within a public liturgical ceremony, usually in a church.
Consent: The essence of the marriage is the free, irrevocable consent given by the couple, intending a permanent, faithful, and open-to-life union.
The Couple as Minister: In the Latin Rite, the couple are the ministers of the sacrament to each other, while the priest/deacon is the official witness.
Preparation and Celebration
Preparation: Couples usually undergo a marriage preparation program (often called Pre-Cana) to reflect on the nature of the sacrament.
The Rite: The ceremony involves the exchange of vows and the blessing of rings.
Mass: It is highly recommended that the marriage be celebrated within the context of a Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass).
Purpose
The sacrament is designed for the good of the spouses (mutual love and support) and the procreation and education of children. It acts as a sign of God's presence and love in the world.
The Catholic Sacrament of Marriage (Holy Matrimony) is a lifelong, indissoluble covenant between a baptized man and woman, establishing an exclusive, faithful partnership for mutual holiness and procreation.
As a sacrament instituted by Christ, it symbolizes the union of Christ and the Church, providing grace for the couple to live out their commitment.
Key Aspects of Catholic Marriage
A Covenant, Not Just a Contract: It is a sacred, spiritual bond created before God, not merely a legal agreement.
Indissolubility: The Church teaches that a consummated, sacramental marriage cannot be dissolved except by death.
Requirements: At least one party must be Catholic (both should be baptized), and it is celebrated within a public liturgical ceremony, usually in a church.
Consent: The essence of the marriage is the free, irrevocable consent given by the couple, intending a permanent, faithful, and open-to-life union.
The Couple as Minister: In the Latin Rite, the couple are the ministers of the sacrament to each other, while the priest/deacon is the official witness.
Preparation and Celebration
Preparation: Couples usually undergo a marriage preparation program (often called Pre-Cana) to reflect on the nature of the sacrament.
The Rite: The ceremony involves the exchange of vows and the blessing of rings.
Mass: It is highly recommended that the marriage be celebrated within the context of a Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass).
Purpose
The sacrament is designed for the good of the spouses (mutual love and support) and the procreation and education of children. It acts as a sign of God's presence and love in the world.
26-30, F
