The Person to Be Approached for the Petition

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Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology

Ludovicus Wouters, C.SS.R. — 1 passage

Vol. II, Bk. III, Tr. VIII, Diss. II, Pt. II, Insofar as It Is a Sacrament, Particularly, Sect. III, Ch. IV, Art. III, § II. On the Person to Be Approached for the Petition

n. 814.

I. If there is question of a dispensation to be granted for the public forum, and it can be granted by the Ordinary, it should be sought from him. If it cannot be granted by the Ordinary, the petition should nevertheless be sent to the Ordinary, who is to transmit it to the Holy See.

II. If the matter is of a dispensation to be granted for the internal forum, and it can be given by the Ordinary, it should likewise be obtained from him. Except the case in which the infamy of the petitioners or the sacramental seal stands in the way, and the consent of those whose interest is involved is lacking (n. 817); in that case recourse should be had to the Sacred Penitentiary.

III. If a dispensation must be sought for both forums, one should proceed as is explained in n. 817.

Note. A petition to be directed to the Congregation of the Discipline of the Sacraments or to the Congregation of Propaganda Fide should begin: "Most Blessed Father"; one to be directed to the Sacred Penitentiary: "Most Blessed Father," or "Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord," or also "Most Eminent Prince." The outside address should be: for letters to the Congregation of the Discipline of the Sacraments: To the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Cardinal N., Prefect of the Congregation of the Discipline of the Sacraments, Rome (these things are to be expressed in a living language); for letters to the Congregation of Propaganda Fide: To the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Cardinal N., Prefect of the Congregation of Propaganda Fide, Rome (these likewise in a living language); for letters to the Sacred Penitentiary: To the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord N., Cardinal Major Penitentiary, Rome (again in a living language). Finally, the letters are to be transmitted after the postal expenses have been paid.