MATRIMONY: A SACRED MARRIAGE
PART OF SEVEN SACRAMENT SERIES
Author: Ken Klark L. Flores
Introduction
Matrimony is the formal and official term for the state of being married, often used in religious and legal contexts. While often used interchangeably with the word "marriage," matrimony emphasizes the legal contract or, in some religions, the sacred covenant between two people.
Definition and Differences
The word matrimony is derived from the Latin word matrimonium, which combines mater ("mother") with the suffix -monium ("action or condition"). This highlights the traditional view of marriage centering on motherhood and childrearing.
Matrimony is the formal and more religious or legal term for marriage, it is more frequently used to describe the religious ceremony or sacrament of marriage, while the term marriage can also refer to the civil and legal relationship recognized by the state. (Vocabulary.com, n.d.; Merriam-Webster, n.d.)
In Religious Context
For Catholics and some other Christian denominations, matrimony is a holy sacrament—a covenant between a baptized man and woman that is elevated by Christ, it is a lifelong partnership intended for the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, 1601). Catholic theology emphasizes that a validly contracted sacramental marriage is indissoluble, meaning it cannot be broken by human power. Annulments can be granted, but this is a declaration that the marriage was never valid in the first place, not a form of divorce.
A Catholic wedding is a public liturgical act typically held during a Mass, where the couple administers the sacrament to each other through their mutual consent.
Marriage Concept
The institution of marriage is a near-universal cultural practice, but its specific form and rules differ widely around the world. The institution of marriage is a near-universal cultural practice, but its specific form and rules differ widely around the world. Historically, marriage has included different forms, such as monogamy (one spouse)(Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.), polygamy (more than one spouse), and arranged marriage. In modern society, there is a trend toward ensuring equal rights for diverse couples, including same-sex unions. Although most churches do not encourage same-sex marriage, their doctrine defines marriage as a lifelong, sacramental union exclusively between one man and one woman.
Conclusion
In the end, the marriage or matrimony(in a sacred way), serves as a lifelong commitment rooted in love, consent, and mutual support, culminating in a sacred union and a new stage of social advancement. For many, it is a sacrament offering grace and a path to spiritual growth, a commitment to a shared future, and the foundation for building a family.
References
Learn Religions (2019). What’s the Difference Between Matrimony and Marriage? https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-matrimony-542851
Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994). United States Catholic Conference.
Encyclopedia Britannica (n.d.) Monogamy. https://www.britannica.com/topic/monogamy
Vocabulary.com (n.d.). matrimony. https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/matrimony
Merriam-Webster (n.d.) Definition of MATRIMONY. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matrimony
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the views of any religious organization or denomination. This article is for religious and educational purposes only.
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