INTRODUCTION
T
his is a general introduction to the Catholic perspective on Christian marriage. Those who are preparing for marriage may find in it an introduction to the deepest meaning of marriage that may help them to prepare to administer the Sacrament more fruitfully to each other so that the life they begin together may be filled with greater joy. Those who are already married may find in it an opportunity to appreciate more what it means to be married, and how closely they are meant to be joined to each other. Priests, and all who assist married couples in any way to live this Sacrament may find in it a practical guide to the Church’s teaching on the subject. Those who are not from a Catholic background may find in it an explanation of a Biblical understanding of marriage that may serve as an occasion for a deeper understanding of the mystery through which a man and woman become ‘one flesh.’ These are the hopes with which this book is written. May it be, for all who read it, an occasion to appreciate more this mystery through which a man and a woman become ‘one flesh.’ 5