St. Thomas of Villanova, Bishop and Confessor

Baltimore track

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Lesson 26 — On Matrimony

Q. 1013.What do we mean by impediments to marriage?

A.By impediments to marriage we mean certain restrictions, imposed by the law of God or of the Church, that render the marriage invalid or unlawful when they are violated in entering into it. These restrictions regard age, health, relationship, intention, religion and other matters affecting the good of the Sacrament.

Q. 1014.Can the Church dispense from or remove these impediments to marriage?

A.The Church can dispense from or remove the impediments to marriage that arise from its own laws; but it cannot dispense from impediments that arise from the laws of God and nature. Every lawmaker can change or excuse from the laws made by himself or his equals, but he cannot, of his own authority, change or excuse from laws made by a higher power.

Q. 1015.What is required that the Church may grant, when it is able, dispensations from the impediments to marriage or from other laws?

A.That the Church may grant dispensations from the impediments to marriage or from other laws, there must be a good and urgent reason for granting such dispensations. The Church does not grant dispensations without cause and merely to satisfy the wishes of those who ask for them.

Q. 1016.Why does the Church sometimes require the persons to whom dispensations are granted to pay a tax or fee for the privilege?

A.The Church sometimes requires the persons to whom dispensations are granted to pay a tax or fee for the privilege: (1) That persons on account of this tax be restrained from asking for dispensations and may comply with the general laws; (2) That the Church may not have to bear the expense of supporting an office for granting privileges to a few.