3
FOSTERING FAMILY LIFE IN THE TEACHING
OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Martino Sardi
3.1 Introduction
Fostering family life in the teaching of the Catholic Church is the theme that we will uncover together in this opportunity. How is it that
our respective families become a joyful one which truly brings joy both to its members and to all the people we meet? In this opportunity, we
will discuss three important matters pertaining to our main theme, “Fostering Family Life in the Teaching of the Catholic Church. Firstly,
we will focus on marriage vow, secondly, marriage vow in the challenges of time, thirdly fostering a true Christian family by reflecting
on the holy family of Nazareth. This issue is very real in this current age and it begs special attention and profound study. May our family remain
faithful and always joyful.
3.2 Wedding Vow
I remember my friend’s marriage several years ago in a very simple old church. In that holy matrimony, Pietro and Anita respectively
exchanged marriage vows which could not be taken back, because what God has joined, men must not divide.
Firmly Pietro said his promise: “In the presence of priest and witnesses, I, Pietro Grande, do
solemnly swear, that Anita Dolce, present here, as of this moment to be my wedded wife. I promise to be true to her in good times
and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love her and honour her all the days of my life. Thus is my vow, in the name of God
and this Holy Bible”. Anita consequently responded:
“In the presence of priest and witnesses, I, Anita Dolce, do solemnly swear, that Pietro Grande, present here, as of this
moment to be my wedded husband. I promise to be true to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love him
and honour him all the days of my life. Thus is my vow, in the name of God and this Holy Bible”.
Then the priest or other official steward of the Catholic Church said the confirmation:
“In the name of God’s Church and in the presence of witnesses and the audience, I affirm that this initiation of marriage is a
legitimate Christian marriage. May this sacrament become a source of power and happiness to you”.
While giving holy blessing, the priest or other official steward of the Catholic Church continued with the words: “What God has joined”, the
audience answered: “men must not divide”. Once the Catholic marriage ceremony is finished, usually they would immediately hold a civil
registry so that their marriage is legitimate according to Indonesian law, as stipulated in the Marriage Law. The legitimate religious marriage
would then be registered officially according to the acting law and
registered in the civil registry. From this marriage vow, we can see how noble and glorious the vow is. Both party are willing to sincerely accept
each other as husband and wife, to love and honour each other all the days in their lives in any condition, portrayed in the vow to be in good
times and bad, in sickness and health, and all is promised for the glory of God and their happiness. It is truly a noble vow emanating a longed
happiness. In the vow, aside from the efforts of both parties husband and wife,
the role of God is of utmost importance. Both parties with all their lives are willing to accept to be an eternal couple, whole and inseparable, as
husband and wife. Both persons bear free will, without pressure from anyone, willing to be of one heart, blessed by God to form a union of
Christian family. This union of husband and wife is exclusive, solely applicable to them unable to be shared. In its legal term there is unity
and monogamy. Hence the will of the two parties is strengthened by the act of mutual love and respect in any conditions. Conditions nor
situations may not influence the bond made. Both in good times or bad, in sickness or in health, they remain a union of family. Favourable
conditions of health, happiness or joy, undoubtedly will support this unity of husband and wife. But in unfavourable conditions, sickness or
bad times, even sufferance, there must be an inseparable unity. The later condition is truly a challenge in life as well as a struggle to
remain as one heart and soul in a family union. In fact, it is in these challenges that the eternal vow to live together as husband and wife is
tested and confronted with real life of this world. Aside from the desired happiness, there also exist the cross of life which must also be
confronted. The inseparable union and monogamy remain steadfastly held in the teachings of the Catholic Church because what has been
joined by God men must not divide. Men must obey to the will of God.
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