Part III. Chapter XVIII. MATRIMONY

426. What is Matrimony?
Matrimony is the sacrament by which man and woman become husband and wife, and receive the graces to live happily together and to fulfil the duties of the married state.
427. Who can receive the sacrament of Matrimony?
All baptised persons can receive the sacrament of Matrimony, unless forbidden by the law of God or of the Church.
428. Why has the Church the power to make laws concerning marriage?
The Church has the power to make laws concerning marriage, because Christ made the marriage of baptised persons a sacrament.
429. Which are the chief duties of husband and wife?
The chief duties of husband and wife are to be faithful to their marriage promises, to love and help each other, and to provide for the spiritual and temporal welfare of their children.
430. What is necessary for the worthy reception of the sacrament of Matrimony?
To receive worthily the sacrament of Matrimony, it is necessary to be in the state of grace.
431. What is the best preparation for a happy marriage?
The best preparation for a happy marriage is to be chaste, temperate and charitable, to pray to God for guidance in choosing a partner, and to ask the advice of parents and confessor.
432. Can the bond of marriage ever be broken?
When baptised persons have been validly married and have lived together as husband and wife, the bond of their marriage cannot be broken, except by the death of either party.
433. Can the State break the bond of a valid marriage?
The State has no power to break the bond of a valid marriage, and hence civil laws authorising divorce are null and void.