Pius X Catechism – Nature of the Sacrament of Matrimony

Location: The Sacraments > The Sacrament of Matrimony > Nature of the Sacrament of Matrimony

Q1: What is the sacrament of Matrimony?

A1: Matrimony is a sacrament, instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, which creates a holy and indissoluble union between a man and woman, and gives them grace to love one another holily and to bring up their children as Christians.

Q2: By whom was Matrimony instituted?

A2: Matrimony was instituted by God Himself in the Garden of Paradise, and was raised to the dignity of a sacrament by Jesus Christ in the New Law.

Q3: Has the sacrament of Matrimony any special signification?

A3: The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the indissoluble union of Jesus Christ with the Church, His Spouse, and our holy Mother.

Q4: Why do we say that the bond of marriage is indissoluble?

A4: We say that the bond of marriage is indissoluble or that it cannot be dissolved except by the death of either husband or wife, because God so ordained from the beginning and so Jesus Christ our Lord solemnly proclaimed.

Q5: Can the contract be separated from the sacrament in Christian marriage?

A5: No, in marriage among Christians the contract cannot be separated from the sacrament, because, for Christians, marriage is nothing else than the natural contract itself, raised by Jesus Christ to the dignity of a Sacrament.

Q6: Among Christians, then, there can be no true marriage that is not a Sacrament?

A6: Among Christians there can be no true marriage that is not a sacrament.

Q7: What effects does the sacrament of Matrimony produce?

A7: The sacrament of matrimony: (1) Gives an increase of sanctifying grace; (2) Gives a special grace for the faithful discharge of all the duties of the married state.