In addition, Archbishop Brislin says that the dispensation can be effected in the event there is a strong reluctance on the part of the family of the non-Catholic to conform to the Catholic form of marriage.
He adds that since the marriage ceremony between Catholics or a Catholic and baptized non Catholic is sacramental, it would be appropriate for it to be celebrated at the Parish church of one of the Catholics parties.
He explains, “Although a marriage between a Catholic and non-baptized person is not sacramental, it is nevertheless a religious event in which the Lord is called upon to witness the exchange of consent. Such a marriage should ordinarily be celebrated in the church of the Catholic party.”
“In extraordinary circumstances, permission could be given for a marriage to be celebrated in a non-Catholic church, provided a Catholic pastoral minister receives the consent of the couple on behalf of the Church,” he continues.
In his March 10 regulatory letter, Archbishop Brislin says that once the marriage ceremony is completed, the Priest in charge should take the shortest time possible to record the names of the parties in the Parish marriage register.
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“As soon as possible after the celebration of a marriage, the Parish Priest of the place of celebration or whoever takes his place, even if neither has assisted at the marriage, is to record in the parish marriage register the names of the spouses, of the pastoral minister who assisted, and of witnesses, and the place and date of the celebration of the marriage,” he says.
He recommends the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation for the parties’ prior to the marriage ceremony.
The South African Catholic Archbishop also reflects on the Lenten Season and urges the people of God under his pastoral care to participate in the exercise by being active in the activities related to the penitential period.
“All should join in the Church's penitential exercises during Lent as fully and as frequently as possible,” the Archbishop who has been at the helm of the Archdiocese of Cape Town since December 2009 says.
Participation in Lent, Archbishop Brislin explains, “may be done by daily assistance at Mass and frequent Communion, by participating in the Stations of the Cross in which we meditate on the passion and death of our Savior, by frequent and fervent prayer and by abstaining from luxuries and amusements which could distract us from the love and service of God and neighbor.”