Yes, what you write about the whole purpose of Jesus’ death being to save us from our imperfections is absolutely right. It’s not always so easy to accept that, though. In my head I might know I am forgiven, but to feel it in your heart and forgive yourself is a battle.

You ask how anyone can be a Saint. I didn’t know whether you meant a saint or a Saint. A saint is anyone who is in heaven. And, you would attain this through belief in Christ. What that means in a practical sense is debatable. I guess a Catholic would say that you show your belief in Christ through how you act. So, it may be that there are people out there who believe in Christ and don’t know it yet. A Saint, on the other hand, is someone who is held up to be exemplary by the Church. They can, of course, make mistakes. But, they should have lived a virtuous life.

I spoke to a friend of mine today (who is a priest) about my issue. He doesn’t think how the relationship started is bad, and feels is could actually help us in marriage, since it is a relationship born in the real world. I can’t remember how he phrased it, but he basically said that we are all human and make mistakes. A marriage is trying to make something good out of the human world which is full of human error. We are all imperfect and should just acknowledge that and lean on God for help. Marriage is about asking God to help the two of you through life.

I quite liked this explanation, and found solace and encouragement in it.