Living in Christ Today: Holy Matrimony and Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin

Vocabulary terms covering the example of Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, the Sacrament of Matrimony, its symbols, matter, form, and biblical foundation in John 2: 1-12.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

The youngest daughter of Louis and Zelie Martin who was declared by the Universal Church as Doctor of Church and Patroness of Mission.

Louis Martin

A watchmaker who married Zelie in 1858, faced the death of four young children and his wife, and lovingly gave permission for each of his daughters to join the convent.

Zelie Martin

A maker of lace who supported her family, taught her children to serve God, and died of an illness in 1877 when her daughter Thérèse was four years old.

October 2015

The month and year Pope Francis officially recognized Louis and Zelie Martin as saints, making them the first married couple to ever be canonized together.

2008

The year Pope Benedict named Louis and Zelie Martin as "Blessed."

Matrimony

A sacrament establishing a sacred and indissoluble union between a baptized man and a baptized woman that gives grace to love each other in a holy way and educate children in a Christian manner.

Holy Bible (in Matrimony)

Signifies the couple's dedication and promise to discern the will of God in their married life and lead their family in spiritual practices like attending Holy Mass, doing charity, and living the Christian life.

Wedding Rings

Symbols of unity, completeness, eternal love, and the unending faithfulness of Jesus to the Church that serve as a reminder of faithful commitment to the marriage and one another.

Bridal Veil and White-Colored Dress

Attire worn by the bride and groom symbolizing chastity and purity in thoughts, words, and action.

Unity Candles

Two candles lit during the ceremony symbolizing the light brought by Jesus' resurrection that leads the couple on their life's journey and reminds them of their duty as a couple.

The Coins (Aras)

Golden or silver coins that symbolize God's providence in marriage, representing the groom's promise to provide and the bride's trust in his ability to fulfill it.

Matter of the Sacrament of Matrimony

The mutual consent of the contracting parties to give themselves to each other.

Form of the Sacrament of Matrimony

The expression of mutual consent of the contracting parties to take each other.

The Wedding Feast in Cana

The Sacred Scripture reading from John 2: 1-12 used for reflection on the importance of marriage, family, and Jesus' mission.