Pastoral Advice to Those Approaching the Sacrament of Marriage

From His Beatitude Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa

His Beatitude Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, issued a letter in which he presented Pastoral advices to those approaching the Sacrament of Marriage. You can find below the full text of the letter.

“Unless the LORD build the house, they labor in vain who build.”

- Psalm 127

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Many of our sons and daughters are preparing to receive the sacrament of Marriage, which has a great value for the whole Christian community, and is considered a project of God, which leads to holiness. As you celebrate this special moment with your loved ones, we would like to encourage you to approach this Christian sacrament with love, faith, and confidence.

We invite you to support our young adults in their journey of finding and choosing a life partner, providing them with the necessary support and words of advice to prepare them for this new chapter of partnership. We also urge all priests to stay vigil and faithful in overseeing the marriage preparations and accompany the couples step-by-step until they exchange their wedding vows before the Lord.

Wherever you are, it is inevitable to rejoice and celebrate the new Christian family, which is a cell of the Church. But let your celebrations be done with reason. It is imperative to dress appropriately and decently, especially during the wedding ceremony. Do not get distracted by focusing too much on the outer appearance, forgetting to celebrate the sacrament of marriage: getting married in the Lord and before the Church. Instead, focus on praying for them, their marriage and future family.

Stay close to the Church and the community of believers who will support you and be a backbone for you. By listening to the Word of God and feeding of the Eucharist you will continuously be refreshened and strengthened in the Spirit, which enables you to face the hardships and challenges of life. Because “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build” (Psalm 127). You will come to find that the Lord is the “Cornerstone” (Psalm 118) and protector of your family, for “through him the whole structure is held together “(Ephesians 2:21).

We ask the almighty God to pour out his blessings on you and guide you,

My blessing

† Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem