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Show VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH There is a great deal of misunderstanding anent the laws and discipline regarding marriage in the Catholic church. It is not our intention to write several columns about the matter. The more there is written, the less there is understood. Suffice it to say, then, that marriage should take place before the parish priest and two witnesses, or before another an-other priest, deputed by the parish priest. Otherwise, Other-wise, marriage is not only illicit, but invalid. In other words the contract is not only unlawful, but not a real marriage at all. Dispensations may still be applied for, and obtained. When granted by the proper authority, the dispensation will be valid, and also the marriage contrpcted under it. But since Easter of this year, it is impossible for any of our Catholic people to be married outside the church, and to have their union honored by the name of marriage. |