Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, Archbishop of Caracas (Venezuela), after a series of studies and consultations, has issued the “Instruction for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage,” which will be instituted as ecclesial law in the entire Archdiocese of Caracas, with the objective of reminding the faithful of the canonical requirements for the preparation and celebration of weddings, in order to avoid abuses and errors, as is addressed in his Pastoral Letter entitled “Marriage, Sacrament of Love and the Family.”
The Letter, which will be read in all the Masses in the Archdiocese this coming weekend May 16-17, offers several fundamental ideas on the Sacrament of Marriage contained in the Code of Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, on the greatness and demands of the vocation, and thus, “the need for couples to undergo suitable preparation, with great seriousness and Christian spirit, during a prudential time period.” The Cardinal mentions that “the courtship should be a time for entering into a deep knowledge of the other person, a time for religious and spiritual renewal, strengthening in the faith and Christian life,” which is why they should engage in preparatory courses.
It is also important to ensure that “the marriage is licit and valid.” Moreover, the Cardinal says, “the celebration of the sacrament, the wedding in the Church, should be an act of profoundly religious character, with the necessary care and without excess.”
In order to reach these goals, he has issued this Instruction, which “establishes a common juridical-pastoral procedure that encourages thorough and fruitful preparation for the celebration of the sacrament.” This document summarizes the most important and practical points of Canon Law on the matter, as well as aspects of the celebration such as the place and the circumstances.
Cardinal Urosa asks that the entire jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Caracas heed the directives of the Instruction which will take effect August 1, 2009.
He concludes with a special appeal to all couples preparing for marriage, that they “receive these indications and norms with a generous heart,” and that they place careful effort in preparing themselves for the celebration of this sacrament, as “ it is a transcendental and definitive step in their lives: the mutual consecration of their hearts and the foundation of a new family forever.” He also invites the families of the couples to “contribute in their preparation and wedding celebration with a Christian spirit, avoiding excess, the unnecessary commodities and unneeded waste of resources that is an offense to the poor.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 11/5/2009)
