Part III, Section I, Chapter VIII — Matrimony

406. What is Matrimony?

Matrimony is the sacrament that unites man and woman indissolubly, as Jesus Christ and the Church His spouse are united, and gives them the grace to live together in holiness and to raise their children in a Christian way.

407. Who is the minister of Matrimony?

The ministers of Matrimony are the spouses who contract it.

408. How is Matrimony contracted?

Matrimony is contracted by expressing the mutual consent before the parish priest, or a priest delegated by him, and at least two witnesses.

409. Does Matrimony celebrated in this form also obtain civil effects in Italy?

Matrimony celebrated in this form also obtains civil effects in Italy, because the Italian State recognizes such effects in the Sacrament of Matrimony.

410. How does Matrimony so celebrated obtain civil effects in Italy?

Matrimony so celebrated obtains civil effects in Italy through its regular transcription in the registers of the civil state, made at the request of the parish priest.

411. Can Catholic spouses also perform a civil marriage?

Catholic spouses cannot perform a civil marriage either before or after the religious Matrimony; should they dare to do so even with the intention of celebrating the religious Matrimony afterward, they are considered by the Church to be public sinners.

412. Must the spouses be in the grace of God when contracting Matrimony?

The spouses must be in the grace of God when contracting Matrimony; otherwise they commit a sacrilege.

413. What duties have the spouses?

The spouses have the duty to live together in holiness, to help one another with constant affection in their spiritual and temporal needs, and to raise their children well, caring for their soul no less than for their body, and forming them above all in religion and in virtue by word and by example.