Marriage
In Catholicism marriage is a sacrament that a baptized man and a baptized woman administer to each other through their marriage vows and lifelong partnership. Given that to a Catholic sacramental marriage reflects the union of Christ with the church as his mystical body, marriage is understood to be an indissoluble union. The rite commonly takes place during a mass, with a priest serving as the minister of the mass and as a witness to the mutual consent of the couple. The marriage union is used to sanctify both the husband and wife by drawing them into a deeper understanding of God’s love and is intended to be fruitful, with any children to be raised within the teachings of the church.
How to Prepare for Marriage
by Fr. Vincent Barboza
Marriage is an important and joyful occasion in the life of the couple. The preparation for “the” day must begin well in advance to avoid last moment stress for the couple and for the priest. Those intending to get married should go through the following requirements of the Church:
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Check with the priest or Church office as early as possible for booking of Wedding Mass. In a bigger Church you have to be early to get the Wedding Mass on a particular day.
2. Attend a Marriage Preparation Course organised by the diocese atleast 6 months before the marriage; For course details contact Snehalaya Family Service Centre, Mumbai, India
Email:snehalayafamily@gmail.com
Website:https://www.snehalayafamily.com
What are the Marriage Dossier
(List of documents) required before marriage
by Fr. Vincent Barboza
1.Baptism Certificate (not older than 6 months) including entry regarding Confirmation
2. Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form duly filled (in the presence of a priest)
3. Results of Banns/Assurance of banns published (issued by a priest)
4.Oath of Free State (if for some reason Banns are not published)
Certificate of Freedom of State (issued by a priest saying that subject is free to marry)
6. Civil Certificate of Marriage, if civilly married
If widow or widower getting married:
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Death/Burial Certificate of the previous spouse
If a person is getting married after annulment :
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Marriage Certificate Church Certificate of Annulment/Dissolution
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Decree of Civil Divorce or Nullity
If the Marriage is between Catholic and Christian/Non-Christian
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Dispensation from Impediments/Permission for Marriage
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Proof of age/address and also an affidavit from Non-Christian
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Promises to be signed by the Catholic
How to get attestation of a Church issued Marriage Certificate by a Christian Civil Registrar of marriages (Government of Maharashtra, India)
by Fr. Vincent Barboza
Procedure to be followed:
1. Get a latest (not more than six months old) Marriage Certificate from the Church where the marriage was solemnized.
2. Check for accuracy of spellings of names of all those mentioned in the certificate. Pay particular attention to the identity proofs of both husband and wife.
3. A photograph of the husband and wife (8 x 5 cm printed on matt finish paper) is to be posted on the rear of this Church Marriage Certificate
4. Get the Marriage Certificate attested by the Chancery of the Archbishop’s House, Fort.
5. This certificate is also to be attested (on the reverse side) by any authorized Public Notary
6. Get this certificate photo-copied on both sides after completing the above steps
Next, the certificate needs to be countersigned by the Christian Registrar of Marriages appointed by the State Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Louis Sequeira, cell phone number: 996908609, (Office: New Administrative Building, 9th floor, Opp. Mantralaya, Churchgate). He is available in the office ONLY between2.00 pm and 4.00 pm.
7. After this, you need to get the certificate attested by the Officer appointed by the Home Department, Government of Maharashtra who is on the same floor.
8. Please carry with you original identity proof with one copy of each of the following documents: Passport, PAN card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License. The identity proofs should have the same names with the same spelling as on the marriage certificate.
9. In case the name of either/both the spouses have been changed subsequent to the marriage, please take along a copy of the Govt. Gazette to that effect
10. In case you bring along the certificate of your deceased parent to be attested, you will have to bring along an Affidavit stating you are the daughter/son of the names mentioned on the certificate and carry relating proof of documents.
11. If the certificate to be attested belongs to a relative/close associate please ask the person concerned to provide a Letter of Authority stating the name, address, contact number of both sides.