Engaged to marry: a challenge and an adventure

Archbishop Murphy reflects on the sacrament of marriage and the many lessons learned from couples he married in his weekly “In Joy and Hope” column for the Catholic Northwest Progress. “Marriage is a sacrament which a man and woman literally confer on each other and, in so doing, they give Christ to and receive Christ from each other,” said Archbishop Murphy. “They are challenged to imitate the love of Christ, a selfless love which involves loving God, loving each other, and loving all people.” He characterizes marriage as a commitment based on unity – the key to unity being unconditional love.