Q. 1044. {290} Why do many marriages prove unhappy?  A. Many marriages prove unhappy because they are entered into hastily and without worthy motives.

Q. 1045.  When are marriages entered into hastily?  A. Marriages are entered into hastily when persons do not sufficiently consider and investigate the character, habits and dispositions of the one they intend to marry.  It is wise to look for lasting qualities and solid virtues in a life-long companion and not to be carried away with characteristics that please only for a time.

Q. 1046.  When are motives for marriage worthy?  A. Motives for marriage are worthy when persons enter it for the sake of doing God’s will and fulfilling the end for which He instituted the Sacrament.  Whatever is opposed to the true object of the Sacrament and the sanctification of the husband and wife must be an unworthy motive.

Q. 1047. {291} How should Christians prepare for a holy and happy marriage?  A. Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist; by begging God to grant them a pure intention and to direct their choice; and by seeking the advice of their parents and the blessing of their pastors.

Q. 1048.  How may parents be guilty of great injustice to their children in case of marriage?  A. Parents may be guilty of great injustice to their children in case of marriage by seeking the gratification of their own aims and desires, rather than the good of their children, and thus for selfish and unreasonable motives forcing their children to marry persons they dislike or preventing them from marrying the persons chosen by the dictates of their conscience, or compelling them to marry when they have no vocation for such a life or no true knowledge of its obligations.

Q. 1049.  May persons receive the Sacrament of Matrimony more than once?  A. Persons may receive the sacrament of Matrimony more than once, provided they are certain of the death of the former husband or wife and comply with the laws of the Church.

Q. 1050.  Where and at what time of the day should Catholics be married?  A. Catholics should be married before the altar in the Church.  They should be married in the morning, and with a Nuptial Mass if possible.

Q. 1051.  What must never be forgotten by those who attend a marriage ceremony in the Church?  A. They who attend a marriage ceremony in the Church must never forget the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and that all laughing, talking, or irreverence is forbidden then as at other times.  Women must never enter into the presence of the Blessed Sacrament with uncovered heads, and their dress must be in keeping with the strict modesty that Our Lord’s presence demands, no matter what worldly vanity or social manners may require.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH.  ON THE SACRAMENTALS.

Q. 1052. {292} What is a sacramental?  A. A sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the Church to excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these movements of the heart to remit venial sin.