Course 2, Chapter 46: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by Communion. — Sacrament of Matrimony

1. What is matrimony?

Matrimony is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, which gives to those who receive it the grace to sanctify their state, and to bring up their children in a Christian manner; it represents the union of Jesus Christ with the church.

2. What effect does this sacrament produce?

This sacrament produces three effects. It gives to those who receive it worthily the grace, 1st, to sanctify themselves; 2d, to bring up their children in a Christian manner; 3d, to represent the union ot Jesus Christ with the church.

3. How do the married couple represent this union?

They represent this union by their holiness, their mutual love,; nd their fidelity till death.

4. What are the dispositions for receiving the sacrament of matrimony?

The principal dispositions for receiving the sacrament of matrimony in a Christian manner, are a state of grace, instruction, vocation and purity of intention.

5. What are the bans?

The bans are the publication of a marriage about to take place. This publication is made on Sundays, or festivals of obligation.

6. Why so?

For two reasons principally — 1st, to ask the prayers of the faithful, that God may bless the parties about to be married; 2d, to ascertain if there be any impediment to the marriage. We are obliged, under pain of a very grave fault, to make known any impediments which we may be aware of.

7. What are impediments to marriage?

Impediments to marriage are obstacles which prevent it. There are some which render the marriage null, and others which render it only illicit.

8. What are the chief impediments which render marriage null?

The chief impediments which render marriage null, are, 1st, error of person; 2d, solemn vow of chastity; 3d, relationship; 4th, difference of religion; 5th, rape; 6th, public infamy; 7th, aflinity; 8th, abduction; 9th, clandestine performance of the marriage.

9. What are the impediments that render marriage illicit?

The impediments which render marriage illicit, 20*

234 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

are, 1st, simple vow of chastity; 2d, previous promise of marriage to another; 3d, the prohibition of the church.

10. What must be done when there is an impediment to marriage?

When there is an impediment to marriage, a dispensation must be asked of the Pope or the bishop. The money received on the occasion of i uch dispensations is applied to charitable purposes.

11. What are some of the ceremonies accompanying the celebration of marriage?

On the day of her marriage the woman is dressed in white, as an emblem of her virtue. A ring is blessed as a pledge of her fidelity and obedience, and in some countries a piece of money is also blessed to signify a community of goods. These ceremonies date back to the first ages of the church.

12. What are the advantages which society derives from the sacrament of matrimony?

Society derives great advantages from the sacra ment of matrimony; 1st, the good conduct of the married couple; 2d, the peace of families; 3d, the exclusion of a host of disorders prevalent among the pagans; 4th, the proper education of children.