345. What is required when one of the spouses is not a Catholic? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp
345 repetition) A
mixed marriage (between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) needs for
liceity the permission of ecclesiastical authority. In a case of disparity of
cult (between a Catholic and a non-baptized person) a dispensation is required
for validity. In both cases, it is essential that the spouses do not exclude
the acceptance of the essential ends and properties of marriage. It is also
necessary for the Catholic party to accept the obligation, of which the
non-Catholic party has been advised, to persevere in the faith and to assure
the baptism and Catholic education of their children.
“In brief”
(CCC 1633) In many countries the situation of a mixed marriage (marriage between a
Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) often arises. It requires particular
attention on the part of couples and their pastors. A case of marriage with disparity of cult (between a Catholic
and a non-baptized person) requires even greater circumspection.
To deepen and explain
(CCC 1635) According to the law in force in the Latin
Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority (Cf. CIC, can.
1124). In case of disparity of cult an express
dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the
marriage (Cf. CIC, can. 1086). This permission or dispensation presupposes that
both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of
marriage; and furthermore that the Catholic party confirms the obligations,
which have been made known to the non-Catholic party, of preserving his or her
own faith and ensuring the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic
Church (cf. CIC, can. 1125).
Reflection
(CCC 1636) Through
ecumenical dialogue Christian communities in many regions have been able to put
into effect a common pastoral practice
for mixed marriages. Its task is to help such couples live out their
particular situation in the light of faith, overcome the tensions between the
couple's obligations to each other and towards their ecclesial communities, and
encourage the flowering of what is common to them in faith and respect for what
separates them. (CCC 1637) In marriages with disparity of cult the Catholic
spouse has a particular task: "For the unbelieving husband is consecrated
through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her
husband" (1 Cor 7:14). It is a great joy for the Christian spouse and for
the Church if this "consecration" should lead to the free conversion
of the other spouse to the Christian faith (Cf. 1 Cor 7:16). Sincere married
love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance
in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of
conversion. [END]
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