Article IV. On the Revelation of Impediments

I say. All the faithful are bound, before the celebration of marriage, to reveal impediments, if they know any, to the pastor or to the Ordinary of the place (Can. 1027).

But this obligation generally regards all the faithful of whatever sex, age, parish, or diocese, etc., and also blood-relatives and friends. The reason for the first is drawn from the motive of Religion and charity, and also from the precept itself of the banns. - But the reason for the second is that that law is borne in the name of the Church, to which all Christians are subject. Indeed, although, once Marriage has been celebrated, the positive law of denouncing ceases, nevertheless charity and Religion can, according to circumstances, require the said revelation. - I said of itself, because when grave inconvenience or detriment to you intervenes, or if the revelation would be altogether useless, you are not bound to the revelation. - Cf. S. Alphonsus, n. 995; Baller. note (a), p. 715.

Question 1. Must impediments known under a secret, even a committed secret, be revealed?

Resp. Affirmatively, probably, even if an oath of not revealing them has been added. The reason is that a natural secret, even committed and sworn, does not oblige when grave damage threatens the community or a third person.

Question 2. Are you bound to reveal an impediment if you alone know it and cannot prove it?

Resp. Affirmatively, and the reason is that in matter of this kind the testimony of one person can suffice. Thus the most common and truer opinion, says S. Alphonsus, n. 995.