e called when one of the persons is
not a Catholic. Neither does the Church want persons to become converts
simply for the sake of marrying a Catholic. Such conversions would not
be sincere, and would do no good, but rather make such converts
hypocrites, and guilty of greater sin.

*290 Q. Why do many marriages prove unhappy?
A. Many marriages prove unhappy because they are entered into hastily
and without worthy motives.

"Hastily"--without knowing the person well or considering their
character or dispositions; without trying to discover whether they are
sober, industrious, virtuous, and the like; whether they know and
practice their religion, or whether, on the contrary, they are given to
vices forbidden by good morals, and totally forgetful of their religious
duties. In a word, those wishing to marry should look for enduring
qualities in their lifelong companions, and not for characteristics that
please the fancy for the time being. They should, besides, truly love
each other. Again, the persons should be nearly equals in education,
social standing, etc., for it helps greatly to secure harmony between
families and unity of thought and action between themselves.

"Worthy motives." The motives are worthy when persons marry to fulfill
the end for which God instituted marriage. It would, for example, be an
unworthy motive to marry solely for money, property, or other advantage,
without any regard for the holiness and end of the Sacrament. There are
many motives that may present themselves to the minds of persons wishing
to marry, and they will know whether they are worthy or unworthy, good
or bad, if by serious consideration they weigh them well and value them
by their desire to please God and lead a good life.

Every person's motive in getting married or in entering into any new
state of life should be that he may be able to serve God better in that
state than in any other.

*291 Q. How should Christians prepare for a holy and happy marriage?
A. Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving
the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist; by begging God to grant
them a pure intention and to direct their choice; and by seeking the
advice of their parents and the blessing of their pastors.

They should pray for a long time that they may make a good choice. They
would do well to read in the Holy Scripture, in the Book of Tobias (8),
of the happy marriage of Tobias and Sara, and how they spent thei