By Rev. Fr. Augustine Olusegun Fasiku
In a world where marriage is increasingly fragile, the Catholic Church’s teachings on the sacrament of marriage offer a beacon of hope. Pope John Paul II, in his 2003 address to the Roman Rota, emphasized the essential role of faith in marital fidelity, highlighting the crisis of marriage in society today.
The Church recognizes that marriage is a natural institution, rooted in human nature, but elevated to a sacrament for baptized Christians. But what happens when an unbaptized couple gets baptized? Do they need to convalidate their marriage? According to the Church, if two non-baptized persons enter a valid natural marriage and later receive baptism, their marriage is automatically raised to a sacrament. No new ceremony or renewal of vows is needed; the marriage becomes sacramental at the moment the second baptism is completed (Can. 1055 §2).
This teaching is rooted in the understanding that baptism is the gateway to the other sacraments, including marriage. As the Catechism states, “The Church holds the exchange of consent between the spouses to be the indispensable element that ‘makes the marriage.'” (CCC 1601). The Church recognizes valid marriages between non-baptized persons, and when both spouses are baptized, their marriage becomes a sacrament, even if they’re not Catholic.
The Church doesn’t require convalidation or a new ceremony because the marriage is already valid; it’s simply elevated to a sacrament. This is supported by Canon Law and practice: converts aren’t expected to convalidate or renew vows, and marital dissolution isn’t allowed after both spouses convert (Can. 1143).
The Church’s teaching on marriage and sacramentality is clear: faith is essential for a fully lived marriage, but it’s not a prerequisite for the sacrament itself. The right intention to marry according to the natural reality of marriage is what matters (L’Osservatore Romano, 2003). As Pope Francis notes, “The essential elements of marriage are not determined by humans but by God himself” (Amoris Laetitia, 2016).
In conclusion, the Church’s teaching on marriage is a beautiful reflection of God’s love for humanity. By recognizing the natural institution of marriage and elevating it to a sacrament, the Church reminds us that love is a gift, a bond that transcends human frailty. As we navigate the complexities of modern marriage, may we be guided by the Church’s wisdom, and may our love be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love.
References:
– L’Osservatore Romano (2003)
– Code of Canon Law (1983)
– Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992)
– Amoris Laetitia (2016)
