As we finish our series on Marriage, we will this week cover Convalidations. But first, let's look at what makes a marriage one more time.
The Catholic Church believes that marriages entered into by non-Catholics in their particular church, or wherever they may take place, are valid, if they understand the 4 things that make a marriage: free, total, faithful, and fruitful. In the eyes of the Church, even two atheists or agnostics who are married civilly before a judge or magistrate enter into a valid marriage.
Catholics, however, are bound to observe a certain form of marriage ritual in order that their marriage be valid. In being baptized into the Catholic Church, we are baptized into the law of the Catholic Church, which we call Canon Law. Canon law requires that Catholics enter into marriage by free mutual consent that is witnessed in a church by an authorized bishop, priest, or deacon and at least two other witnesses. Marriages in which one or both parties are Catholic and which are not witnessed by an authorized bishop, priest, or deacon, or which do not receive proper permission to take place in another forum, are considered invalid in the eyes of the Church.
It may be that the Catholic who entered into marriage outside the Church did not realize that these requirements existed, which is the most common reality today. Sometimes it is because one or both of the spouses was not free to marry in the Catholic Church because of a previous marriage or because they were awaiting an Annulment. Also, the Catholic partner(s) may not have been active in the Church and did not consider having a Catholic wedding.
This leaves us with a sticky wicket as the Church does not view a Catholic marrying outside the Church as contracting a valid marriage, therefore if the two are sleeping together then that Catholic party should abstain from receiving Holy Communion as they are in a state of Mortal Sin.
The Church, and us here at Prince of Peace, very much want to help rectify this situation. This is where a Convalidation comes into play. It is validating a Civil Marriage in the eyes of the Church and making it Sacramental.
It is important to realize that a convalidation is not merely a renewal of promises made previously but is a new act of consent by each spouse. This new act of consent is essential to marriage, and the words that the couple expresses are the outward sign of the gift of self that they exchange.
Fr. Greg and I are here to help you with your Marriage however we can. Whether it is strengthening, helping walk through problems that may arise, assisting with annulments, or convalidations. We desire that all in our flock get to heaven and we want to help assist you in that process. In this great Jubilee Year of Hope, we have a great desire to help set captives free! If you are in need of an annulment or a Convalidation, what better time to set yourself free in this year of great hope! Please reach out to us as we would love to assist you however we can!
Source: Together For Life