WEDDING BANNS

Vianca Lopez & Niccolo Celebre

Traditionally, the banns of marriage were ecclesiastical announcements of the names of persons who were planning on getting married in the Catholic Church. These announcements also included the date of when the couples planned on getting married. The purpose of the banns of marriage was to discover any impediments to a proposed marriage. If someone knew something that could prevent a marriage from proceeding, such as the bride or groom to be were already married elsewhere, that person was required to report it to the priest of the parish where the couple planned on getting married.

This is in accord with Canon 1066: Before a marriage is celebrated, it must be evident that nothing stands in the way of its valid and licit celebration. It is similar to the dramatic scene often shown in film and television (though it is not a Catholic practice) of the officiant of a wedding solemnly declaring in these or comparable words, “If anyone knows why these people should not be married, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.”

Let us pray for these and all couples who are preparing for their marriage day, that they may understand the dignity and responsibilities of the marriage covenant and family life. Please also pray for married people everywhere, that they will live in love and faithfulness, for better or worse, in joy or in sorrow, all the days of their lives.