185. Christian spouses have the key role in proclaiming these very truths, in terms that the world finds most persuasive — that is, in lives that are continually transformed by the love that is imparted to couples in the Sacrament of Marriage and defines their communion as husband and wife. Pope Francis has described in a stirring way the witness to truth that Christian spouses can provide, supported by the graces of the Sacrament of Matrimony:

Christian spouses are not naïve; they know life’s problems and temptations. But they are not afraid to be responsible before God and before society. They do not run away, they do not hide, they do not shirk the mission of forming a family and bringing children into the world. But today, Father, it is difficult…. Of course it is difficult! That is why we need the grace, the grace that comes from the sacrament! The sacraments are not decorations in life — what a beautiful marriage, what a beautiful ceremony, what a beautiful banquet…. But that is not the Sacrament of Marriage. That is a decoration! Grace is not given to decorate life but rather to make us strong in life, giving us courage to go forwards! And without isolating oneself but always staying together, Christians celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage because they know they need it!