Can I marry my godmothers daughter

[do_justly_love_mercy]

Marrying one’s godparents’ children presumably would once have been quite common in small communities. Your godparents are usually chosen from among your parents’ closest friends. They are therefore likely to have children of similar age who will probably be close friends from childhood.

Marrying one’s godmother would not likely be advisable even if spiritual affinity is no longer the written letter of the law…

I guess this problem doesn’t arise for most people, as their godparents are probably typically at least about 20 years older than them and are usually friends of their parents. I can see it arising in the case of somebody who is baptized or received into the Church as an adult, in which case it would be perfectly reasonable to choose a close friend, possibly of the opposite sex, as a sponsor. I guess that’s not quite the same thing as being a godparent.

 

[ReaderT]

What about with a dispensation from the bishop? Is that heard of? Out of economy…

For example, biological first cousins cannot licitly marry, but in some parts of the world the bishop may find it prudent to make exceptions. Or is spiritual affinity just a complete untouchable taboo?

Dunno - never heard of a dispensation. I feel that this is a very firm rule in Orthodoxy. It would be improper for a man to start seeing his godmother’s sisters or daughter (or vice versa). We consider godchildren just like any other immediate family member. We call our Godmother’s daughter “God-sister”

Sorry for going off-topic - I wasn’t aware this wasn’t the norm in the Latin West.

 

[twf]

Its interesting to me. We tend to assume that the Latin Church is more “liberal” / progressive than the Orthodox Churches…and in many cases this is now true…but in other cases, the Latin Church seems much more conservative / restrictive than the Orthodox Churches. One major example that comes to mind would be natural family planning vs artificial contraception. Now I’m getting way off topic…but I just find it interesting where West vs East has decided to “apply economy” in the modern era and how it differs.

 

[OurLadyofSorrows]

I’m currently not in a relationship with her so is it possible to marry her?

Are you planning on dating her? Next question is are both both free to marry in a Catholic framework.

 

[Phemie]

Tradition? It would also be a bit odd because your godmother will be likely at least a couple decades older…and promised to guide and raise you as a spiritual mentor. It’s a different role from that of a wife…

Don’t forget that that also applied to converts. Today spouses are often their converting partner’s godparent.

 

[dochawk]

Is this not practiced anymore in the West?

Sure, we trick emperors into sponsoring baptisms all the time out here!

:crazy_face: :

 

[tuffsmurf]

I don’t know about orthodoxy, but for eastern catholics an dispensation is absolutely possible. Also, for eastern catholics the impediment only apply to the godparent/godchild, not the entire family.

 

[YADA]

twf:

Tradition? It would also be a bit odd because your godmother will be likely at least a couple decades older…and promised to guide and raise you as a spiritual mentor. It’s a different role from that of a wife…

Don’t forget that that also applied to converts. Today spouses are often their converting partner’s godparent.

That would not be the case in the parish where I assisted with RCIA - we always required another ‘sponsor’ - although we allowed the spouse or fiance to participate in the process - co-sponsor if you will … the reason to require the additional sponsor was to ensure that the catechumen or candidate has someone they can go to - with the hard questions, the struggles - who does not have a vested interest in the outcome of the faith journey - an honest broker if you will… not the one who wants the person to make the ‘right choice’

Becoming a Christian in the Catholic tradition means making a conscious free personal decision - un coerced - it is not to make your fiance happy or please the new in laws or your spouse or even your best friend. Our goal was not to have x number of new Catholics each year based upon who showed up the first night - We were there to explain the faith, to accompany and help people walk the journey, and then to make an informed decision that they freely chose a life in Christ or not … and if yes, that they were catechized, prepared and inspired to actively live that life in Christ with our faith community.

 

[Anesti33]

You are mocking this man because he is not in a relationship with her, but I commend him as a gentleman. How many times do we hear of an engaged couple, deeply in love, who cannot marry validly due to a diriment impediment? Now here is a man who inquires about the possibility even before approaching the woman. He is doing the right thing, so please do not laugh at him!

 

[OrbisNonSufficit]

That will probably make marrying her a little difficult

Sure, we trick emperors into sponsoring baptisms all the time out here!

Honestly… fact those two pearls are in the same thread is way too amazing

He is doing the right thing, so please do not laugh at him!

I agree and I think others do as well. It was meant as somewhat of a joke from father imo. It is always better to inquire before doing something as in middle of the process we might be too attached to leave the thing be even if we find out Church opposes that. Relationships are meant to serve certain purpose and OP seems to be very aware of that, which is super cool.

 

[Phemie]

I understand, and don’t disagree. But the Rite allows for a sponsor to accompany the journey from enquiry to the Rite of election and a different person to be the “godparent” who takes over at the Rite of Election.

I’ve been married 44 years to a non-Catholic who has occasionally expressed interest in becoming Catholic. He even joined our parish choir for a few years. But it was never more than a passing comment and, although I would be over the moon if he converted, I don’t want him to do it for me.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Eleventy thousand people sponsor their fiance, boyfriend, spouse into the Church every year.

 

[dochawk]

Honestly… fact those two pearls are in the same thread is way too amazing

I didn’t even give that thought as I wrote it!

You are mocking this man because he is not in a relationship with her,

I don’t think there is any mocking, but rather that Father made a wry observation.

And, yes, thinking about where th relationship could go, and limits on it, before pursuing it is quite prudent and admirable.