Marriage Convalidation

Con-validating Your Marriage

Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and culminates with "the wedding feast of the Lamb." (Rev 19:7, 9)  Marriage reflects the spousal love Jesus has for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the Wedding Mass is, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church." 

Among the many benefits of the Sacrament of Matrimony is the power of God’s grace, which helps couples keep their commitment and find happiness together. Social scientists are finding thatcouples who recognize God’s presence in their relationship experience more satisfaction and are more likely to achieve lifelong marriage. All in all, couples who choose to bring their marriage into the Church receive many gifts: peace of heart, oneness with the Church, the fullness of Sacramental grace, and God’s special blessing upon their marriage.

The marriage covenant is far more than a contract; it is the union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. Some couples, for various reasons, choose to be married outside of the Church. 

Whatever the reason for that choice, couples still may receive the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony. This is accomplished through the straightforward process of “Con-validation.” Several couples have had their marriages convalidated here recently. Their non-church marriages range from newlywed to over forty years together, from couples not yet blessed with children to grandparents and, even, great grandparents.

If you were or someone you know was married outside the Church, please speak with us to discuss con-validation. I pray that every couple receives the grace of the Sacrament and experiences the depth of God’s love for them.