Annulments

2. What does it mean to say marriage is a Sacrament? Catholics believe that Christ our Lord raised the institution of marriage to the dignity of a sacrament among the baptized. Because it is a sacrament for the baptized, this marriage bond acquires a special meaning. The Catholic Church teaches: The marriage bond has been established by God himself in such a way that a marriage concluded and consummated between baptized persons can never be dissolved. This bond, which results from the free human act of the spouses and their consummation of the marriage, is a reality, henceforth irrevocable, and gives rise to a covenant guaranteed by God's fidelity, The Church does not have the power to contravene this disposition of divine wisdom. (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.1640) Christian marriage becomes an efficacious sign, the sacrament of the covenant of Christ and the Church. Since it signifies and communicates grace, marriage between baptized persons is a true sacrament of the New Covenant. (CCC. n.1617) back