SACRAMENT OF

Matrimony
THE MEANING OF THE
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
Matrimony is a formal word for marriage. It is the
state of being married or the ceremony of getting
married. The word "matrimony" is derived from the
Latin word "mater," meaning "mother," and
"monius," meaning "one." This suggests that
matrimony is a union between two people who are
committed to each other for life and who will create
a family together.
THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

The biblical foundation of matrimony highlights the

sacred, covenantal, and loving nature of marriage. It
emphasizes mutual respect, unconditional love,
open communication, forgiveness, cooperation, and
spiritual alignment. These principles guide couples
towards a fulfilling and lasting marital relationship.
THE MATTER AND FORM
The matter of the Sacrament of Matrimony is the mutual
consent of the man and woman to marry each other. This
consent is expressed in the marital vows, which are the
words spoken by the couple to each other during the
wedding ceremony.

The form of the Sacrament of Matrimony is the priest's

proclamation of the couple's marriage. This proclamation is
usually made at the end of the wedding ceremony, after
the couple has exchanged their vows.
THE EFFECTS OF THE
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
In the sacrament of marriage, the recipients are the couple
entering into the marital covenant.

The ministers of the Sacrament of Matrimony are the bride and

groom themselves. They are the ones who freely and irrevocably
consent to marry each other, forming a lifelong covenant of love
and faithfulness. This mutual consent is the essential element of
the sacrament, and the priest or deacon who presides over the
wedding ceremony serves as an official witness to their exchange
of vows.
THE EFFECTS OF THE
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
The chief effects of the sacrament of Matrimony are: first, an
increase of sanctifying grace; second, the special help of God for
husband and wife to love each other faithfully, to bear with each
other's faults, and to bring up their children properly.

The sacrament of matrimony is believed to create a lifelong bond

between spouses, fostering unity, love, and mutual support. It is
seen as a sacred commitment with spiritual significance,
providing a foundation for a family and promoting personal
growth within the marital relationship.