How to Strengthen the Spiritual Foundation of Marriage

Fr. Robert J. Altier. God's Plan For Your Marriage: An Exploration of Holy Matrimony from Genesis to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback. $17.95. 192 pages. Available from the publisher.

“As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St. John Paul II) It’s no secret that, especially in today’s culture, one of the most urgent needs is to strengthen marriages. In God's Plan For Your Marriage, Fr. Robert J. Altier, renowned for his EWTN series on “The Fundamentals of Catholicism,” unpacks the importance of the Sacrament of Marriage and equips readers with the tools to fortify their relationships.

Fr. Altier shared the reason he wrote this book: “The attack is on the family. The family is the foundation for everything, in our own individual lives, as well as for the Church and society. So for the good of our children—for the good, of course, of the married people—for the Church and society, as well, it's absolutely a necessity right now to really put the focus on marriage.”

God had marriage in mind before the dawn of creation. He created husbands and wives to love and be loved. In His design, God revealed certain truths to lead them to happiness and wholeness. Although they will be tested, God gives them the grace and means to choose His plan for marriage—a plan that will renew their family and the world.

In these precious pages, Fr. Altier reflects on the importance of the vocation of marriage, in light of the book of Genesis, the Gospel of St. John, and St. Paul’s writings. He tackles contemporary concerns and questions, such as what being subject to one another in marriage really means and controversial questions about sexual morality. Accessibly, Fr. Altier explains the nature and characteristics of love.

Readers will learn about the authentic meaning of marital love and how to love with heroic charity. Fr. Altier further highlights the spiritual union of married couples and their call to sainthood: “You look at the history of the Church—and God always raises up people to come to the aid of whatever area is under attack,” Fr. Altier noted. “What the devil tries to do in destroying something, God brings good out of evil and actually makes it better."

In like manner, Fr. Altier emphasizes the necessity of prayer in marriage for the individual, the couple, and the family. The wisdom in this book will help couples and believers to turn the tide and restore the sanctity of marriage in our families, nation, and world once again.

Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of God's Plan For Your Marriage, and/or to schedule an interview.