Which is the lifelong covenant between a man and a woman?

• A. Virtue
• B. Reconciliation
• C. Anointing of the Sick
• D. Matrimony

Answer: (D)

Matrimony is the lifelong covenant between a man and a woman. It’s not just a social arrangement but a sacred commitment made by spouses through their vows, meant to endure until death. In Catholic teaching, Matrimony is a sacrament that confers grace to help the couple live in faithfulness, love, and mutual support, with openness to children. This lasting bond mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing unity and insensitivity to dissolving. The other terms point to different ideas: virtue is a good habit of moral excellence, reconciliation refers to the forgiveness of sins in the Sacrament of Penance, and Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for healing and strength for those who are ill. Hence Matrimony uniquely identifies the enduring covenant between a husband and wife.