1.

The intention of the requirements of Church law in reference to matrimony

is to ensure that the sacrament of matrimony is received in accordance with
the laws of the Church. These laws include regulations regarding the timing
of solemn marriage, restrictions on marrying relatives or persons of different
religions, and other impediments to marriage1. The Church recognizes that
matrimony is both a natural union instituted by nature and a sacrament with
its own proper laws2. By complying with these laws, the faithful enter into a
marital union that is ordered to the communion and good of the couple and
to the generation and education of children3. The Church's power to legislate
in matrimonial affairs is derived from Christ and is exercised by Divine
right4. The Church's requirements for the validity of matrimonial consent
and the regulation of rights and duties in marriage are aimed at protecting
the sacred bond of marriage and maintaining its Christian characteristics
under all circumstances4. Additionally, the Church requires the faithful to
contract marriage according to the ecclesiastical form, which serves multiple
purposes such as the liturgical celebration of the sacrament, the
establishment of an ecclesial order, the creation of rights and duties in the
Church, and the protection of the marital consent5. Overall, the intention of
the requirements of Church law in reference to matrimony is to ensure that
the sacrament is received in a manner that upholds the sacredness of
marriage and aligns with the teachings and laws of the Church.
2. According to the Code of Canon Law, a minister needs a written delegation
to solemnize a marriage. The delegation must be given to specific persons
expressly, and if it concerns general delegation, it must be given in writing
1. This means that for a minister to validly assist at a marriage, they must
have a written delegation from the local ordinary, pastor, or a priest or
deacon delegated by them 2. Furthermore, if another priest or deacon who
can be present is available, they must be called and be present at the
celebration of the marriage together with the witnesses, without prejudice to
the validity of the marriage before witnesses only 3. Additionally, when a
marriage is contracted according to the norm of Canon 1116, the priest or
deacon, if present, or the witnesses in solidarity with the contracting parties,
are bound to inform the pastor or local ordinary about the marriage as soon
as possible 4. In summary, a minister needs a written delegation to
solemnize a marriage, and if another priest or deacon is available, they
should also be present at the celebration of the marriage.
3. A pre-nuptial interview, also known as a prematrimonial examination, is a
pastoral opportunity for engaged couples to engage in a dialogue with their
pastor or priest before their wedding to ensure that there are no impediments
to the valid and licit celebration of their marriage. The purpose of this
interview is to ascertain that nothing hinders the free celebration of a true
marriage, which is characterized by unity, indissolubility, and is ordained for
the good of the spouses and the procreation and upbringing of their children
1. The interview is not a bureaucratic formality but rather a unique pastoral
moment where the pastor helps the couple face the truth about themselves
and their vocation for marriage 1. It is an opportunity for the couple to
discuss any potential impediments, such as previous engagements, vows of
chastity, or familial relationships, and to ensure that all necessary
arrangements have been made 2. The pre-nuptial interview is part of the
overall preparation for marriage, which may include remote, proximate, and
immediate preparation 1. It is an important step in discerning the couple's
readiness for marriage and ensuring that they have the right intention to
marry according to the natural reality of marriage 1. The interview may
involve multiple meetings to allow the couple to reason together, consider
their decision, and make an informed choice 3. Through this process, the
couple is supported in their journey towards a valid and fruitful marriage in
accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
4. Proof of baptism is important because baptism is necessary for salvation
according to the teachings of the Catholic Church 1. It is through baptism
that individuals are spiritually regenerated and become children of God 2.
Therefore, having proof of baptism is crucial in order to confirm that one has
received this sacrament and has been incorporated into the Christian faith.
Proof of baptism serves as evidence that an individual has been initiated into
the Christian community and has received the grace of baptism. It is a way
to verify that one has been born again of water and the Holy Spirit, as Jesus
Himself commanded 2. This proof is significant not only for the individual
but also for the Church, as it establishes the sacramental bond of unity
among all Christians who have been reborn through baptism 3.
Furthermore, proof of baptism is important for practical reasons. It allows
individuals to participate fully in the life of the Church, including receiving
other sacraments and fulfilling certain responsibilities within the Christian
community. For example, proof of baptism may be required for receiving the
sacrament of Confirmation, which deepens and strengthens the grace
 received in baptism 4. It may also be necessary for marriage, ordination, or
other pastoral and administrative purposes within the Church. In summary,
proof of baptism is important because it confirms that an individual has
received the sacrament of baptism, which is necessary for salvation. It
establishes the bond of unity among all Christians and enables full
participation in the life of the Church.
5. Marriage banns are the ecclesiastical announcement of the names of persons
intending to marry. The purpose of publishing the banns is to discover any
impediments to the proposed marriage and to inform those interested in the
upcoming celebration. This practice dates back to the early Christian society,
where the marriage of its members was considered a public religious act
under ecclesiastical control1. The publication of banns became a general
ecclesiastical law in the twelfth century and was later confirmed by the
Fourth Lateran Council in 12151. The Council of Trent, in the sixteenth
century, further emphasized the importance of publishing the banns to
prevent invalid or illicit marriages2. The banns are typically announced in
the church during the solemnization of mass on three continuous festival
days, allowing any person who knows of an impediment to declare it
privately to the priest before the marriage takes place32. The publication of
banns serves as an opportunity for individuals to prevent an invalid or
unlawful marriage and to avoid the sin of failing to declare known
impediments3. The civil law in some countries also requires the publication
of banns, ensuring that marriages are recognized by both the Church and the
state1.
6. Proof of Confirmation is necessary because it is a sacrament that strengthens
and confirms the faith of the recipient 1. Confirmation is called so because
its chief effect is to strengthen or render us more firm in whatever belongs to
our faith and religious duties 1. While Confirmation is not necessary for
salvation in the same way as Baptism, it is still a divine command that
obliges all to receive it if possible 2. Confirmation also impresses a character
on the recipient, similar to Baptism and the Sacrament of Orders, and this
character cannot be repeated 3. Therefore, proof of Confirmation is needed
to confirm that an individual has received this sacrament and has been
strengthened in their faith and religious duties. Additionally, it is important
for individuals to have knowledge of the chief mysteries of faith and the
duties of a Christian before receiving Confirmation 4. This knowledge is
necessary because one cannot be a good Christian without knowing the laws
 of the Church and understanding the commands of Christ 4. Proof of
Confirmation serves as evidence that the individual has received the
necessary instruction and preparation before receiving the sacrament. In
summary, proof of Confirmation is needed because it confirms and
strengthens the faith of the recipient, fulfills a divine command, and imparts
a character that cannot be repeated. It also serves as evidence that the
individual has received the necessary instruction and preparation before
receiving the sacrament.
7. The pre-Cana seminar exists in order to provide engaged couples with the
necessary preparation for the sacrament of marriage. The Catholic Church
recognizes the importance of adequately preparing couples for this lifelong
commitment and views the pre-Cana seminar as an essential part of this
process 1 2 3 4 5. The seminar aims to offer engaged couples the opportunity
to deepen their understanding of the doctrinal, moral, and sacramental
aspects of marriage 1. It seeks to instill in them a deeper knowledge of the
mystery of Christ and the Church, the meaning of grace, and the
responsibility of Christian marriage 3. The pre-Cana seminar also prepares
couples to actively and consciously participate in the rites of the marriage
liturgy 3. The Church emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and
well-structured preparation course that goes beyond mere formality 2. It
encourages the involvement of the Christian family and the ecclesial
community in the different phases of the preparation for marriage 3. The
goal is to help engaged couples integrate progressively into the mystery of
Christ, the Church, and their journey of faith 4. The Church recognizes that
some engaged couples may have shortcomings or difficulties in Christian
doctrine and practice, making the pre-Cana seminar even more urgently
needed for them 3. The pre-Cana seminar is seen as a form of
catechumenate, similar to the process of preparing adults for baptism, and is
intended to prevent the increase of invalid or inconsistent marriage
celebrations 4 5. It is an opportunity for engaged couples to experience faith
and have a personal encounter with Jesus, enabling them to enter into the
sacrament of marriage with greater awareness 5. In summary, the pre-Cana
seminar exists to provide engaged couples with the necessary knowledge
and understanding of the sacrament of marriage, to prepare them for active
participation in the marriage liturgy, and to deepen their faith and personal
encounter with Jesus 1 2 3 4 5. It is an integral part of the Church's
 commitment to ensuring that couples enter into marriage with the proper
disposition and readiness.
8. If couples have difficulty attending regular pre-cana schedules, the parish
priest and his co-workers have the responsibility of offering them some
occasions to make up an adequate knowledge of the doctrinal, moral, and
sacramental aspects set out in the proximate preparation for marriage and
finally include them in the phase of immediate preparation. This is required
because of the necessity to personalize the formative itineraries in a real way
and to take every occasion to deepen the meaning of what takes place in the
sacrament1. Additionally, couples can be offered the opportunity to continue
the catechumenal journey through periodic meetings, possibly monthly or
with some other frequency, as well as other encounters, both in community
and as a couple2. It is important to consider the concrete life commitments
of the couple and their effective possibility to make time for preparation
before the wedding celebration3. In cases where attending a retreat is
impossible, even a shorter time of prayer, such as an evening meeting or
"prayer vigil," could serve the purpose of refocusing on the essentials and
turning the couple's gaze toward the Lord3. It is also suggested that couples
who have difficulty attending regular pre-cana schedules can be integrated
into the new parish by inviting them to attend the accompaniment program
along with other spouses of their new community2. It is important to note
that the final decision whether to celebrate sacramental marriage will be
made by the couples themselves, autonomously and out of personal
conviction, as the fruit of the discernment period4. In summary, if couples
have difficulty attending regular pre-cana schedules, they should
communicate their situation to the parish priest and explore alternative
options for preparation, such as personalized formative itineraries, periodic
meetings, and other encounters. The couple's concrete life commitments and
availability should be taken into account when planning these alternatives.
Ultimately, the decision to celebrate sacramental marriage rests with the
couples themselves after a period of discernment1324.
9. The sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist play a significant role in
the preparation for matrimony. The Catechumenal Pathways for Married
Life emphasizes the importance of celebrating the Sacrament of
Reconciliation shortly before the wedding, as it prepares the couple to
receive the grace of the Sacrament of Marriage by removing feelings of
guilt, granting inner peace, and directing their spirits towards God's grace
 and mercy1. The Code of Canon Law urges spouses to approach the
sacraments of penance and the Most Holy Eucharist to receive the sacrament
of marriage fruitfully2. In the context of matrimony, the couple's journey
should be focused on encountering Christ and being nourished by His
presence. The Sacrament of the Eucharist offers spouses the grace to
overcome their own closures and selfishness, while the Sacrament of
Reconciliation offers them the infinite richness of God's mercy, teaching
them to be patient and merciful with each other3. Furthermore, the
Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage highlights the role of the
sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist in spousal spirituality. The
sacrament of Reconciliation glorifies divine mercy and strengthens the
pedagogy of redeemed love, allowing the greatness of God's mercy to be
discovered in the midst of human drama. The Eucharist, by celebrating the
memory of Christ's giving to the Church, develops the affective love proper
to marriage in daily self-giving to one's spouse and children4. Therefore, the
sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist help in the process for
matrimony by preparing the couple spiritually, nourishing their relationship
with Christ, and fostering the virtues of mercy, patience, and self-giving
love. These sacraments enable the couple to approach marriage with a
renewed sense of grace and a deeper understanding of their vocation as
spouses.
10.The proper place for the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony is in a
church or oratory, unless a just cause suggests otherwise 1. The Code of
Canon Law states that the local ordinary can permit the celebration of the
sacrament in another suitable place 1. However, it is important to note that
the Code of Canon Law does not provide further details on what constitutes
a "just cause" or a "suitable place" for the celebration of the sacrament.
Therefore, it is necessary to consult other sources, such as pastoral
guidelines or the guidance of the local bishop, to determine specific
circumstances and locations that may be considered appropriate for the
celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony. In summary, the general rule is
that the proper place for the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony is in
a church or oratory, but exceptions may be granted by the local ordinary for
just cause and in other suitable places 1.
11.According to the Code of Canon Law, marriages are generally to be
celebrated in the parish where either of the contracting parties has a
domicile, quasidomicile, or month-long residence, or in the parish where
 they actually reside. However, with the permission of the proper ordinary or
proper pastor, marriages can be celebrated elsewhere1. Additionally, the
local ordinary has the authority to permit a marriage to be celebrated in
another suitable place2. It is important to note that the celebration of
marriage in the parish church is the norm, especially for marriages between
Catholics or between a Catholic and a non-Catholic baptized person34. The
Pontifical Council for the Family emphasizes that the ecclesial meaning of
the sacrament is best expressed when the marriage is celebrated in the
church of the parish community to which the spouses belong4. However, in
certain circumstances and with the necessary permissions, the celebration of
marriage in another church or oratory is also possible3. In the case of a
marriage between a Catholic and a non-baptized person, the celebration in a
church is not obligatory but only permitted5. Therefore, the norm of canon
1118, paragraph 3, which allows for the celebration of such marriages in
another appropriate place, would apply5. In summary, while the norm is for
marriages to be celebrated in the parish church, there are provisions in the
Code of Canon Law that allow for marriages to be celebrated in another
parish or suitable place, subject to the permissions of the proper
authorities1325. Canon 1115
12.According to the Code of Canon Law, a marriage between Catholics or
between a Catholic party and a non-Catholic baptized party is generally to
be celebrated in a parish church 1. However, with the permission of the local
ordinary or pastor, it can also be celebrated in another church or oratory 1. In
the case of a marriage between a Catholic party and a non-baptized party, it
can be celebrated in a church or in another suitable place 2. The Catechism
of the Catholic Church emphasizes that since marriage establishes the couple
in a public state of life in the Church, its celebration is fittingly public,
within the framework of a liturgical celebration, before the priest (or a
witness authorized by the Church), witnesses, and the assembly of the
faithful 3.Furthermore, the Code of Canon Law states that marriages are to
be celebrated in a parish where either of the contracting parties has a
domicile, quasidomicile, or month-long residence. If it concerns transients,
the marriage can be celebrated in the parish where they actually reside.
However, with the permission of the proper ordinary or proper pastor,
marriages can be celebrated elsewhere 4. It is important to note that in the
celebration of a marriage, the rites prescribed in the liturgical books
approved by the Church or received by legitimate customs are to be
observed, unless there is a case of necessity 5. In summary, while the
general norm is for a marriage to be celebrated in a parish church, there are
provisions for it to be celebrated in another church or oratory with
permission, or in a suitable place in the case of a marriage between a
Catholic party and a non-baptized party. The specific circumstances and
permissions from the local ordinary or pastor are important factors to
consider in determining the location of the wedding 1 2 4.