290. Q. Why do many marriages prove unhappy?
A. Many marriages prove unhappy because they are entered into hastily
and without worthy motives.

291. Q. How should Christians prepare for a holy and happy marriage?
A. Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving
the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist; by begging God to grant
them a pure intention and to direct their choice; and by seeking the
advice of their parents and the blessing of their pastors.



LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH
ON THE SACRAMENTALS


292. Q. What is a sacramental?
A. A sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the Church to
excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these
movements of the heart to remit venial sin.

293. Q. What is the difference between the Sacraments and the
sacramentals?
A. The difference between the Sacraments and the sacramentals is: 1st,
The Sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ and the sacramentals were
instituted by the Church; 2d, The Sacraments give grace of themselves
when we place no obstacle in the way; the sacramentals excite in us
pious dispositions, by means of which we may obtain grace.