Those who live publicly and impenitently in sin cannot watch over the faith of anyone

Ever since the beginning, God established matrimony as an indissoluble alliance and granted it a blessing that was “not forfeited by original sin, nor washed away by the flood.” In elevating matrimony to the dignity of a sacrament, Jesus Christ not only made this union more indissoluble and holy, but also willed that it reflect His own fidelity to the Church.

If we analyze the pages of history, it is evident that for the pagans, in diverse eras, divorce and repudiation were widespread attitudes that even enjoyed recognition. The Church, however, has always considered divorce as a grave sin; and the Popes have never tired of warning Christians so that they don’t allow themselves to be contaminated with such pagan customs.

It is tradition in the Church that the newly baptized have godparents. This charge, far from being just a social duty – as some unfortunately consider it – entails the serious obligation of educating in the Faith both by word and example, practicing the Commandments and living in a virtuous life. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin – Jesus said– it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come!” (Mt 18:6-7). That is why the Church, with characteristic wisdom conferred by its Divine Spouse, has always decreed that only Catholics who lead a life in accordance with the Faith may be admitted as godparents in Baptism. Therefore, those who publically and obstinately live in grave sin may not be admitted to the special mission of guarding anyone’s faith. Read more…