Canonical Prenuptial Examination – Formality or the Need and Ministration Challenge

Abstract

Canonical prenuptial examinations of the engaged couple is very important, substantial and present legal-ministration issue for the life and activity of the Church and her flock, who want to solemnize sacramental marriage. It is also significant and relevant element contributing to overcome the crisis of matrimony and its valid solemnizing. This examination cannot be treated as just ordinary formality, while it should be conducted in very solicitous, insightful and exhaustive way, with no rush in accordance with the regulations of the canon law, and for today it is the need of the moment and challenge for the priests. Performing such examination is necessary, because it is the most significant element of the whole preparatory period for solemnizing the marriage. Taking care of new matrimony just being born, its wellness and happy future, the Church wants to do all by canonical examination of affianced couple, so such marriage is solemnized in valid and honorable way, according to the education of the Church. Therefore the priests should realize how important tasks are entrusted to them and ordered to them by the Church. First of all it is necessary that they understand and execute their duties with reference to preparation to solemnize the marriage, whereas performing canonical examination of engaged couple, they should pay attention to formal-legal actions before solemnizing the matrimony, take into consideration any faults, defects, and incapacitations in expressing the marital consent by the betrothed, recognition of pathology and abnormalities of their personalities, deficits of maturity to solemnize matrimony and realize marriage duties. This is neither easy nor simple and implies many efforts, difficulties and misunderstanding from the side of concerned parties. They should also realize to solemnize the marriage there should be imposed uniform and clear requirements, conformable with the standards of the canon law. However, these requirements cannot be exceeding an average behaviour and maturity of affianced couple. Whereas admitting the betrothed to solemnize the matrimony, they must have moral certainty, that they are capable to create the marriage community and realize marriage duties. Also they should acknowlegde that they want this marriage honestly, truly and freely, not excluding significant purposes and features of the Christian matrimony, that they do not act insidiously, do not impose any conditions, and, last but not least, that they are unmarried.