What does Canon 1093 mean?

[PaulKorb]

Qs: Does Canon 1093 mean that living together (*“public concubinage?”) *is an impediment to marriage?

Can. 1093 - The impediment of public propriety arises from an invalid marriage after the establishment of common life or from notorious or public concubinage. It nullifies marriage in the first degree of the direct line between the man and the blood relatives of the woman, and vice versa.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Paul,

There is a difference between and invalid marriage and concubinage. An invalid marriage is one which at least has the appearance of marriage, but is invalid for some reason. The impediment exists when the couple begins to live together in the invalid union.

When the two people habitually have sexual intercourse with each other and the relationship does not have the appearance of marriage, the relationship is called concubinage.

Both impediments can be dispensed, all things being equal.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.