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dizzy_dave
Guest
What are the purposes of the wedding Banns? When did this start and why. Thanks!
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T
Timidity
Guest
Banns are a hold-over from the days when people tended to be born, live, and die in the same village or parish. The purpose was to find out if anyone in the community was aware of any legal impediment to the proposed union, such as previous (or existing!) marriage or close kinship or some other problem that would make the union unlawful.
It is the month-long equivalent of the “if anyone has just cause why these two should not be joined, let him speak now…” cliche.
It serves the same purpose today. If you see some banns printed in your church bulletin, but you know that the couple are, for example, Aunt and nephew (ewwww), it is your responsibility to go to the pastor with that information. (As a much less disturbing example, perhaps you know that the groom was previously married.)
It is the month-long equivalent of the “if anyone has just cause why these two should not be joined, let him speak now…” cliche.
It serves the same purpose today. If you see some banns printed in your church bulletin, but you know that the couple are, for example, Aunt and nephew (ewwww), it is your responsibility to go to the pastor with that information. (As a much less disturbing example, perhaps you know that the groom was previously married.)
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Paul_W
Guest
Curiously, they were much LESS necessary when people were born, lived and died in the same town, because everyone, including the priest, would know of any impediment.
They’re much more necessary today, when people may live in 10 different towns by their forties. But I don’t see them listed in many church bulletins.
They’re much more necessary today, when people may live in 10 different towns by their forties. But I don’t see them listed in many church bulletins.
K
kmktexas
Guest
When I got married 13 years ago, Monseignor insisted that banns be placed in all the parishes where I had lived since a teenager. I was marrying late and had been an Army brat so that was several parishes. I called each one and made the request. They kind of laughed at me. Not one asked where I was getting married or who to contact if someone brought forward an objection. 
So I am not sure what purpose they serve today.
So I am not sure what purpose they serve today.
J
Joe_Kelley
Guest
In our area, at least, they have been replaced by requiring sworn statements from witnesses, parents or other family members, that the parties are free to marry.
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