THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

​The question regarding mixed marriage.  Mixed marriage is a union between a baptised Catholic and a baptised Christian who is not in full communion with the Catholic Church, e.g., a Protestant. That means a marriage conducted in a Civil Court with the intention of material gain, such as securing a job by one of the partners, can be nullified? It can be nullified because the Church doesn't recognise it. In the event there has been a previous marriage by either of the parties intending to marry, during preparation for marriage, consideration and justice must be given to the previous spouse and compensation made, if necessary. However, as long as there is a serious obstacle posed by the third party, no marriage should take place.

​The speaker informed the members that, in a case where a couple contracted a Christian marriage without due preparation and knowledge, the validity of the marriage shall be determined by the archdiocesan authorities. When assisting at a marriage, the priest and the entire Christian community should have regard for the conflicts between civil law and ecclesiastical law. ​When asked to define the meaning of the consummation of marriage, the presenter explained that it was the sexual union between husband and wife done in a human way after the celebration of Matrimony. Individuals such as religious who have taken vows cannot be validly married in the Church without canonical dispensation. Religious Superiors should report such individuals to their parish priest.

​If the age of the bride or groom is not known, the parish priest and the Church Community estimate the approximate age of such a person. Age is important for another reason, as in Uganda, defilement carries a maximum sentence of death. While a traditional marriage between a pagan man and woman is valid, it is not sacramental. If such a couple would like to become Catholics, they simply receive the Sacrament of Baptism. In case of separation, "Pauline Privilege" is applied 1 Cor. 7:12-15; Canon n. 1143.1.

​A polygamist wanting to come back to the sacraments should not be denied the opportunity, provided he is repentant and intends to live a good Christian life. This attitude toward the repentant polygamist is in keeping with the tradition of forgiveness as taught by Christ and His Church.