Monday October 7, 2024, His Lordship Michael Bibi, chief catechist of the Diocese of Buea, schooled Christians on Marriage impediments according to the teachings of the church, and urged priests, catechists and marriage counselors to ensure that couples are adequately prepared for marriage. He highlighted the importance of understanding that divorce is not allowed by the church and so , it is imperative of a clear understanding to be reached by couples before engaging in church weddings.
Bishop teaches on the sacrament of marriage
The local ordinary elucidated that impediments are things that may hinder or prevent marriage from taking place in the Catholic Church. These impediments which are twelve in number, include; age where the man must be at least 16years of age while the woman at least 14, impotence, the establishment of a prior bond where either of the partners had been married before, Holy Orders , a case where one partner is abducted and forced into marriage, disparity of cult, a case where the partners are related by blood, and affinity, among others.
After highlighting these aspects that stand as impediments to marriage, he further explained to participants some of the ways in which impediments can be resolved. In the situation of a disparity of cult, the prelate noted that the parish priest after studying the case, is allowed to write to the Bishop for a dispensation, attaching all documents to support his explanation. The bishop in return after studying the file, writes an authorization for the marriage to take place.
Christians at St. Anthony of Padua
Another area where the prelate focused was marital consent and he stated clearly that once consent is exchanged by the two parties during the marriage process, the marriage is established according to the catechism of the Catholic Church pg. 1,626. He emphasized that couples must be free to express consent and this must not happen when they are in any form of duress. If in future it is established that consent was given by either of the couples out of force, the marriage is considered invalid.
At the close of the session, Christians where allowed to clarify their doubts and the bishop urged them to always seek proper education before entering into marriage.
The session took place at St Anthony of Padua Parish in Buea Town.
