Show Notes

Archbishop Vigneron joins host Mike Chamberland to discuss the Sacrament of Marriage, one of the Sacraments at the Service of Communion. Their conversation takes us through the sacrament itself, covers how marriage is reflected in Scripture, and touches on the differences between the secular and Catholic understanding of marriage.

(0:21) Host Mike Chamberland, flying solo without cohost Mary Wilkerson this month, welcomes Archbishop Vigneron to another episode of Eyes on Jesus. The Archbishop shares some highlights of the last month, including the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year of Hope, meeting with Knights of Columbus leadership, and the Christmas holiday. 

(4:09) Mike introduces today’s topic: the Sacrament of Matrimony. Archbishop Vigneron begins by talking about the difference between the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist), Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Matrimony, Holy Orders), and Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick). Mike then asks Archbishop Vigneron to provide an overview of what happens during the Sacrament of Matrimony. 

(10:07) Archbishop Vigneron suggests there are “two archetypes” of marriage through salvation history: First, the marriage of God in the world, which is inscribed in the nature of the human person, and then the marriage of Christ with humanity in the Church. He clarifies that while the Sacrament of Matrimony can take place outside the celebration of the Eucharist, it is most appropriately celebrated within the context of the Mass. He and Mike then discuss who actually “confers” the Sacrament of Matrimony: the husband and wife.

(14:47) Archbishop Vigneron shares how the Sacrament of Matrimony is reflected in Scripture, beginning with the creation of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis. Mike asks about the purpose of marriage, which Archbishop Vigneron summarizes as a way for God’s sons and daughters to fulfill their own purpose and participate in the mystery of communion. Archbishop Vigneron then explains what we mean when we say marriage is “unitive and procreative.”

(26:53) Mike asks the Archbishop to explain why the Catholic Church rejects divorce. Archbishop Vigneron points to Scripture, where Jesus Christ teaches that divorce had previously been permitted due to a human hardness of heart. But now, “we have hearts of flesh, not stone, by the power and grace of Christ.” Archbishop Vigneron then explains how the secular concept of divorce differs from a declaration of nullity from the Church. 

(35:04) Archbishop Vigneron shares about the annual Together in Holiness Conference, an opportunity for spouses to grow together in holiness and, for those who are parents, to learn how to form their children in the Catholic faith. He also looks back on a marriage ceremony he celebrated early in his priestly ministry and shares what he most enjoys about celebrating this sacrament. Then, he talks about the witness of his parents living out their vocation as a married couple. 

(42:15) Mike shares his own experience of being married for 21 years, learning from the witness of his own parents and other couples in his life. He and the Archbishop then discuss the Feast of St. Valentine, or St. Valentine’s Day. Archbishop Vigneron suggests that while the secular celebration is often focused on romance itself, the Christian focus for relationships should be on love, which remains even in times when romance fades. He and Mike then offer their advice to couples preparing for marriage and those struggling in their marriages. 

(48:20) Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about his favorite memory as a bishop, how to address others’ doubts of God, and the one thing he’d ask God for if given the chance. He then closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.