From “I Do” to Forever: Nurturing the Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage is not only a beautiful human commitment, but also a sacred vocation, raised by Christ Himself to the level of a sacrament. In the love of husband and wife, we see a reflection of Christ’s own selfgiving love for the Church. Through the everyday joys and challenges of life together, couples are invited to become living signs of God’s faithful love – witnessing to the world that love rooted in Christ endures and gives life. Like every vocation, marriage requires ongoing care, attention, and renewal. No couple is ever “finished” learning how to love. In fact, the Sacrament of Marriage calls spouses to continually deepen their relationship with each other and with God. Prayer, forgiveness, and shared faith are what sustain and strengthen this sacred bond over time. St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5 that marriage is a “great mystery,” reflecting the profound union of Christ and His Church. This passage is not just poetic – it is a call to live marriage as a daily offering, where love is patient, selfless, and sacrificial. When couples choose to love as Christ loves, their home becomes a place of grace and witness to all who encounter them. The saints also give us powerful examples. Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, show us how ordinary family life – filled with work, prayer, and perseverance – can lead to holiness. Their marriage was a path to sanctity, not in spite of its challenges but because they welcomed God into every part of it. Like them, modern couples are invited to see their marriage not only as a blessing, but as a mission, a way to make God’s love visible in the world. Our upcoming Building a Eucharistic Marriage series is an opportunity for couples – whether newly engaged or married for decades – to rediscover the gift of their vocation. Together, we will pray, reflect, and learn practical ways to grow in sacramental love. Come and renew your appreciation of this holy calling, and rediscover the joy of the one you fell in love with, through the grace of Christ who unites you.