Q. 1. Can you tell me what is necessary for a holy and happy Catholic marriage? So many people separate after a few years. What did they do wrong?

A. 1. The reason most marriages fail is because they are human marriages. By that I mean that the marriage results from a decision made between two individuals, male and female, who think that they are meant for each other.

How often do you hear someone say, "I pray to God to provide me with a marriage partner of His choice? May His Divine Will be done, not mine." Rarely! Because most do not consider the necessity to involve God in the choice of their future spouse.

To prepare for a holy and happy Catholic marriage, you need:

a. Pray that God may direct you to the marriage partner of His choice.

b. Seek the advise of your parents and confessors. God's wisdom speaks through others.

c. Practice the virtues, especially remain chaste.

d. Frequently receive the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion so you will be in a state of grace, such resulting in your openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.