II. Matrimonial Instruction

I. Necessity and matter of the instruction. "Let the pastor not omit," says canon 1033, "to teach the betrothed according to the diverse condition of the persons."

1. "The sanctity of the sacrament of matrimony," that is, the nature and dignity of matrimony and the manner of preparing themselves worthily for the reception of the sacrament; wherefore "let him strongly exhort them that before the celebration of matrimony they diligently confess their sins and piously receive the Most Holy Eucharist."

2. "The mutual obligations of spouses," especially the lawful use of marriage.

3. "The obligations of parents toward offspring," first of all the manner of conferring Baptism in a case of necessity. Likewise:

4. "At least the first elements of Christian doctrine, if the bridegroom or bride is found ignorant; but if they refuse this instruction, there is no place for rejecting them from marriage according to the norm of canon 1066," that is, let him assist only if a grave cause urges, concerning which, if it can be done, let him consult the Ordinary.¹

II. The instructor and the time of instructing. The instruction should be given by the pastor (cited canon), for example on the occasion of the examination of the betrothed; but advisedly before proceeding to the publications. But the more complete instruction, so far as it concerns the use of marriage and the manner of baptizing in a case of necessity, will more advisedly be done a little before or immediately after the marriage has been contracted.

III. The manner of instructing. We shall hand down in different languages a specimen for teaching those about to marry, insofar as there is question of the use of marriage and of Baptism to be conferred.

¹ Pontifical Commission, June 2-3, 1918, IV, 3.