MIXED-MARRIAGES-L Archives

From:
Subject: Re: [MIXED-MARRIAGES] Check out Mixed Marriages
Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 00:32:57 EST

In a message dated 3/15/01 5:30:17 AM Pacific Standard Time,
writes:


> Subj: Re: [MIXED-MARRIAGES] Check out Mixed Marriages
> Date: 3/15/01 5:30:17 AM Pacific Standard Time
> From: (RALPH COELHO)
> To:
>
> File:MIXED MARRIAGES FOR CATHOLICS.doc (32256 bytes) DL Time (28800 bps): <
> 1 minute
>

Hello List,

This was sent to me by Ralph Coelho and it was in an attachment.
I know Rootsweb will not post attachments, but I did not want you to miss his
message. I have copied and pasted it below.



MIXED MARRIAGES FOR CATHOLICS - INDIAN SITUATION


The number of mixed marriages between Catholics and other religions in India
is steadily increasing and is a cause for concern of the Indian Church. Most
of the marriages are with Hindus but there are also marriages with Muslims,
Parsis and Protestants of various denominations.

The Church has a positive policy for these marriages. It discourages them but
(theoretically), parish priests are required to provide them all possible
support both pre-marriage and post marriage. This is according to Canon Law
and the 1970 directive Matrimoni Mixta from Pope Paul. In fact, the latter is
embodied in a specific procedure recommended by the Episcopal Conference.

Unfortunately this is honoured more in the breach. It is extraordinary that
even priest ordained post-1984, after the revised canon Law was introduced,
are either ignorant of or ignore the procedure. Bishops also have not made
any serious effort to rectify the situation

Consequently in most cases both the couple getting married and their families
suffer unnecessary pain and subsequent there are serious consequences for
their faith and that of the children. Most Catholics are ignorant of the
Church teaching and are at the mercy of clergy who come across frequently as
almost obscurantists.

The problems are complicated by the fact that marriages are governed by
"personal law", for each religion. This law has to do with civil rights -
divorce, separation, inheritance, etc. Marriages are possible n the related
religious institutions or even outside them according to rites of different
religions. They are also` possible before a Marriage registrar according to
the same religions. However whether performed before a Registrar or a
religious official (who is licensed ex-officio) the same civil rights apply.

Quite often couples undergo marriages in both religious rites without
appreciating that only one can be valid. Many Catholics do not understand
that marrying in another religious rite is a public act of worship in that
religion and this is directly against the First Commandment. The hierarchy is
silent witnesses to this practice.

Even Hindus do not commonly know that a pujari can only marry two Hindus and
the non-Hindu has to be converted before the marriage. Similarly for Muslims
and Parsis.

The complete absence of pastoral service to thes e couples compounds the
hurt and disservice to these couples and their children. They are left
totally in spiritual limbo.


RALPH COELHO

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