Marriage Convalidation Frustrations (Not Annulement)

[FAB]

I recently (in the last three years) had my marriage convalidated. This affidavit business is news to me…we weren’t required to do it. In fact, we did our preparation in one diocese…moved unexpectedly…and were married in the new diocese based simply on a letter from the priest that completed our prep. “Tradition” with a small “t” might indicate that the witnesses need to be male and female, but I don’t know of any REQUIREMENT that this be so.

Instead if affidavit, we should say an investigation of the individuals. If you think about it, your were likely asked if there were any previous marriges, you were asked of the preparere odered a copy of the baptismal certificate, there was a serious of questions that you were asked concerning your unstanding of the sacrament and permenace of marriage, about you acceptance to have children.
The OP was frustrated about all he and his spouse had to do for thier marrige (validation). My point is that it is not unusal to be required to do such things. They are within the frame work of the canon and are important to help decrease the divorce rate amoung the faithful.

As far as male and female, not a requirement, but a traditon for marrage since old testament times. It is proper for there to be a male and a female witness as part of the sign and symbol of marriage.

 

[Pax2u]

My son and DIL had their marriage convalidated this past summer. First marriage for both (17 years ago), but they were not originally married in the Catholic church. They met once with the pastor, provided a copy of their baptismal certificates and marriage license. Had the ceremony after a Saturday night Mass, with their 4 children and both sets of parents in attendance.