Christians have been made to understand that marriage is valid only when the canonical form is used in the administration of the sacrament of marriage, when there are no impediments and when the couples freely express their consent to each other. The Christians were educated on this during the October 13, catechetical session with the Bishop of Buea His Lordship Michael Bibi which took place at St. Anthony of Padua parish , Buea town.
The prelate focused his teachings on the form of administration of the sacrament of Marriage. He told Christians that the correct form for the administration of the sacrament of marriage is the canonical form, which is celebrated as a liturgical act according to laid down liturgical norms.
Marriage he noted can be administered within the context of the celebration of the Mass as well as out of the Mass. Marriage he also noted can be administered in secrete when the couples give justifiable reasons why their marriage cannot be celebrated in public. This situation of secrete marriage is however rare.
The canonical form of administering the sacrament of marriage begins with the introduction during which the priest addresses the couples and lets them understand that they are entering into marriage to strengthen their bond of love, talks to them about lasting fidelity and that once wedded , there is no room for divorce. The officiating priest goes further to ask certain questions to the couples who ascertain their decision to be married to each other and they further give their consent.
It is worth noting that Bishop Bibi reemphasized the fact that once the couples freely give their consent as they hold their hands together, the marriage is established.
Following the establishment of the marriage, the priest blesses the rings and each spouse puts the ring on the finger of the other as a sign of the love and bond they share.
Though the church does not grant divorce after marriage, it however allows for separation, to give couples time to reflect on their union and to come back together.
The Local Ordinary while ending his teachings, invited all present to gain adequate information on marriage so that they will not be wanting and can also help others who long to get into marriage.
