Matrimony | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

In the Catholic Church, a sacrament is defined as an external symbol of internal grace, conveying spiritual blessings through visible rituals. Matrimony, also known as marriage, is one of the seven sacred sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church. It involves a mutual, free decision by a man and a woman to unite in a lifelong marital bond. Marriage is intended to be a singular, enduring commitment, entered into only once, symbolizing a permanent partnership. Jesus emphasized the sanctity of marriage by referencing the Genesis account of God’s creation of the first humans:

‘From the beginning of creation, God “made them male and female.” For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Thus, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has united, let no one divide.’ (Mark 10:6-9)

As a sacrament, Catholics believe that matrimony embodies the following spiritual realities:

• God is actively present during the marriage ceremony.
• The vows exchanged by the couple are made in God’s presence.
• God blesses the couple’s union, sanctifying their commitment.
• Through their mutual love, the couple experiences God’s active presence in their lives.

Each sacrament includes specific signs, symbols, and significant words or actions. In matrimony, these include:

• Rings: Exchanged by the couple to symbolize their unending and precious love.
• Vows: Promises made before God, demonstrating the couple’s willing commitment to a lifelong, loving union.
• Priest’s Words: The priest’s declaration, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1614, quoting Mark 10:9), affirms that God has blessed the marriage.

Effects and Importance of Matrimony

Matrimony holds profound significance for Catholics due to its role as a sacrament and its broader impact on individuals and society. The importance of marriage is reflected in the following aspects:

• Sacramental Nature:
  • It serves as a public declaration that two consenting individuals are committing to each other in God’s presence, with His blessing on their union.
  • It publicly demonstrates God’s grace in the couple’s lives and in the world, with their loving union serving as a model of family and divine values.
• Lifelong Commitment: Marriage is a permanent bond, with the couple’s love intended to grow stronger over time.
• Exclusivity: The couple pledges lifelong fidelity to one another, creating an exclusive union.
• Life-Giving Purpose: The loving relationship fostered in marriage is the ideal environment for welcoming and raising children in the Catholic faith.

The Catholic Church views marriage as vital to both personal and societal well-being. According to the Vatican document Gaudium et Spes:

‘The well-being of the individual person and of both human and Christian society is closely bound up with the healthy state of conjugal and family life’ (Gaudium et Spes, 48).

A successful marriage is seen as a powerful example to society, promoting values that strengthen both individuals and communities.