Understanding Marriage & Family: A Catholic Perspective

In this book Fr. Sebastian explains and defends the traditional understandings of marriage and family so that the goodness and beauty of marriage and family can once again shine forth.  The book considers marriage and family from three perspectives: 1) from the perspective of reason unaided by faith; 2) from the perspective of reason aided by revelation; and 3) from the perspective of our choices and actions in family life. In the first part of the book, he clarifies and defends the definitions of marriage and family and contrasts them with the alternative proposals of modern society. By showing that marriage and family are natural and necessary consequences of human nature, Fr. Sebastian shows that marriage is not merely a social construct, but something which fulfills the deepest inclinations of human nature. In the second part of the book, he shows how marriage and the relationships within the family are intrinsically and sacramentally related to the principal mysteries of the Catholic faith. In the third part of the book, he shows how family life at both the natural and supernatural levels can be fostered, preserved and healed. In a world so darkened by conflicting and confusing ideas about the most fundamental of human societies, this book is a welcome antidote and assistance.

About the author: Fr. Sebastian Walshe, O.Praem., is a Norbertine Canon of the Abbey of St. Michael in the Diocese of Orange, California, where he is a professor of philosophy for the seminary program.  Interview with Dr Jennifer Roback Morse

The unchangeable truth about marriage and sexuality is in our days under a general attack by the enemies of God and His Revelation. Since that time, the Church has defended this Divine truth through apologetics. In our days, there is an urgent need of apologetics in defense of the truth especially about marriage and sexuality. Marriage and family, being the vital cell of human society and of the Holy Church, are attacked largely because their natural and obvious meaning is distorted by modern ideological totalitarianism. Understanding Marriage and Family: A Catholic Perspective by Fr. Sebastian Walshe, O.Praem., is a true Catholic apologia for marriage and family, showing in a convincing and dialogical manner the beauty of their meaningfulness as planned and created by the infinite wisdom of God the Creator and the Redeemer. This book will surely be of great benefit to everyone who wants sincerely to know the true and unchanging meaning of marriage and family, so that moral beauty and moral health might be restored to the entire family of humankind of our day.
— ✠ Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Mary in Astana

Ascending upon both reason and faith, Fr. Sebastian Walshe, O.Praem., with providential clarity, charity, and certainty, dismantles the desolation of lives unmoored from human nature, and marriages divorced from their divine inspiration, proposing anew to all willing to hear, the freeing and fulfilling proposal of Christian marriage in all its solidity and sublimity. Look within to regain hope, recover communion, and rediscover the fullness of married joy! — ✠ Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, IL

In the midst of so much confusion and darkness about marriage and family among Catholics and non-Catholics alike, this book by Fr. Walshe brings much appreciated clarity and light. His precise definitions, cogent explanations and convincing answers to the key objections make this book an indispensable handbook for parents, educators and all those who are seeking to re-propose to the world the truth, beauty and goodness about marriage and family. — ✠ James S. Wall, Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup, NM

Finally, a book that provides clear definitions, makes incisive distinctions, and anticipates all the main objections hurled at both marriage and the family. This is a complete field manual that brings Father Walshe’s characteristic warm style and cool logic to the most important battle in the culture war. If you want to defend what St. John Paul II called “the first and the most important path that man walks,” look no farther. Highly recommended. — Patrick Coffin, Host, and co-founder of CoffinNation.com