Reading on Catholic Marriage

Introduction

• Opening Prayer of Hail Mary
• Announcements:
  • Sheet with retreat schedule
  • Plenary indulgence after Sunday mass
  • Maintain silence as much as possible
  • Possibility of making a general confession
  • List for spiritual consultations
  • Recommendation of spiritual readings with caution

Nature of Marriage

Current Context

• Supreme Court decision on marriage laws
• Definition and importance of marriage according to the Church

Definition of Marriage

• Sacrament instituted by Christ
• Contract of bodily rights between man and woman
• Justice as the basis of marriage rather than love

Marital Functions and Roles

• Nature and sacrament of marriage
• Contract of justice and rights
• Roles of husband and wife: moral and physical support

Importance of Justice and Love

• Rights and obligations between spouses
• Provision of mutual needs and rights
• Problems of manipulation and selfishness

Objectives of Marriage

Primary End

• Procreation and education of children
• Propagation of souls for the glory of God

Secondary Ends

• Mutual love and support of spouses
• Physical and emotional union

Modern Misconceptions

• Distinction between love and contract in marriage
• Sentimentalism of modern culture

Importance of the Sacrament

Elevation to a Supernatural Level

• Marriage as a natural institution elevated to a sacrament
• Transmission of sanctifying and actual grace

Spiritual Help

• Conservation of fidelity and fulfillment of duties
• Maturation through suffering and responsibilities

Perfection and Virtue

• Preservation of chastity and overcoming of passions
• Growth in charity and virtues

Common Problems

• Personal detachment and strengthening of the union
• Handling difficulties with virtue

Conclusions

• Importance of natural law and virtue
• Fidelity to the graces received
• Prayer and penance within marriage

Final Blessing

• Blessing in Latin to conclude the conference