Could an invalid Marriage become valid?

[sealabeag]

Hi,
If two people were married but their marriage was invalid from the beginning for some reason (lets say for example that one of the two parties was coerced by family members), but after marriages they actually became committed to the marriage and decided to love their spouse, and without the understanding that the marriage was invalid initially, would that marriage “become” valid? How would God view that marriage? Would they need to go through the marriage ceremony again, validly?

I know it’s just a hypothetical situation but I’m just curious.

 

[1ke]

Yes.

Can. 1156 §1. To convalidate a marriage which is invalid because of a diriment impediment, it is required that the impediment ceases or is dispensed and that at least the party conscious of the impediment renews consent.

§2. Ecclesiastical law requires this renewal for the validity of the convalidation even if each party gave consent at the beginning and did not revoke it afterwards.

Can. 1157 The renewal of consent must be a new act of the will concerning a marriage which the renewing party knows or thinks was null from the beginning.

Can. 1158 §1. If the impediment is public, both parties must renew the consent in canonical form, without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 1127, §2.

§2. If the impediment cannot be proven, it is sufficient that the party conscious of the impediment renews the consent privately and in secret, provided that the other perseveres in the consent offered; if the impediment is known to both parties, both are to renew the consent.

Can. 1159 §1. A marriage which is invalid because of a defect of consent is convalidated if the party who did not consent now consents, provided that the consent given by the other party perseveres.

§2. If the defect of consent cannot be proven, it is sufficient that the party who did not consent gives consent privately and in secret.

§3. If the defect of consent can be proven, the consent must be given in canonical form.

Can. 1160 A marriage which is null because of defect of form must be contracted anew in canonical form in order to become valid, without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 1127, §2.

 

[Benadam]

Just to add, the couple should go renew their vows. The Church assumes it’s valid if no one seeks annulment. Talk to the Priest I think he would do that. Have a ceremony of renewal of vows. I have friends who did that.

Edit: I understand this is hypothetical. I think if they went to the Church about it that’s what would happen.
Another Edit: I see 1ke purdy much said that.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

The Church always presumes a marriage is valid until reason is given to demonstrate otherwise, so while I don’t necessarily disagree with the other posters above me, nothing would be absolutely necessary in the hypothetical case you describe. Nonetheless, I would hope the party with a change in heart would at minimum want additional prayers and blessings.