Today, cohabitation has become commonplace in our culture and society. It is used by too many couples who feel that living together is the answer to a future successful marriage or a way of determining whether marriage is even necessary. Cohabitation is not an appropriate way to prepare for a successful, committed married life. In fact I believe cohabitation before marriage is immoral, sinful and scandalous. Let me commend those couples who understand marriage to be a sacred and sacramental bond and who prepare for it within the Church s teachings and traditions.
Marriage is a covenant.
It reveals the reality of God s love in our human relationships. As Catholics, we believe the relationship between a husband and wife is a reflection of the love between Jesus and his Church, between God and His people. This nuptial love produces a bond that cannot be broken. Unfortunately, for the most part, our society does not view marriage as sacred. Divorce is common.