Article V: Liturgical Prescriptions

231. • I. Their obligation.

"Outside the case of necessity, in the celebration of matrimony the rites prescribed in ritual books approved by the Church, or received by laudable customs, are to be observed." (Can. 1100.)

From various decrees of the S.S.C.C. it is established that the liturgical form must be observed under grave obligation, even in second nuptials.

232. • II. Solemn blessing.

a) "The parish priest is to take care that the spouses receive the solemn blessing, which can be given to them even after they have lived a long time in matrimony, but only in Mass, with the special rubric observed and excepting the forbidden time." (Can. 1101, § 1.)

1. The obligation of receiving the solemn blessing is light. Indeed, there is no certainty concerning an obligation properly so called. If it has not been received on the day itself, no obligation of receiving it afterwards exists.

2. In many dioceses, notably in Liege, that blessing is almost always omitted, because nuptials are very rarely celebrated with Mass.

b) "Only that priest himself, by himself or through another, can give the solemn blessing who can validly and licitly assist at the matrimony." (Can. 1101, § 2.)

One priest can ask for and receive the matrimonial consent, and another can celebrate the Mass and impart the solemn blessing.

c) The solemn blessing must be omitted:

1. During forbidden time (Can. 1101, § 1), namely from the First Sunday of Advent to the Nativity of the Lord inclusive, and from Ash Wednesday to the feast of Easter inclusive. (Can. 1108, § 2.)

For a just cause the local Ordinary can dispense, with the liturgical laws preserved, and with the spouses warned to avoid excessive pomp. (can. 1108, § 3.)

2. In mixed matrimonies or with an unbeliever.

3. When the woman has already received that blessing. (Can. 1143.)

4. When only one Mass in the rite of the dead is celebrated on the day of the nuptials, because that blessing cannot validly be received in such a Mass.

5. On account of a general interdict affecting the place (can. 2271, 2°), or a particular interdict affecting the church in which the nuptials are celebrated. (Can. 2272, § 3, 2°.)

233. • III. The form to be observed in mixed matrimonies or matrimonies of disparity of worship.

a) We have already said that those matrimonies must be celebrated with the entirely same juridical form under penalty of invalidity as matrimonies among Catholics. Therefore the parish priest must ask for and receive the consent of the spouses.¹

¹ Cf. above, n. 87, a.

b) With respect to the liturgical rites to be omitted or in some way permitted by the permission of the Ordinary, recall the things said above at n. 87 b.