18/01/2025
Can a Catholic Priest marry? Yes! Many priests of the Catholic Eastern Rites who are in communion with Pope Francis are married, provided that the sacrament is celebrated before their Priestly Ordination. A Catholic Priest of the same rite(s) who isn't married before ordination cannot marry afterwards.
However, Catholic Priests of the Latin Rite (where we belong) do not marry as an ecclesiastical principle. This is something one freely chooses to do, as no one is FORCED to become a Catholic Priest.
Furthermore, according to the Code of Canon Law, specifically Canon 1394 §1, a cleric who attempts marriage, even if only civilly, incurs a latae sententiae suspension. This means that the cleric is automatically suspended from the exercise of his ministry as soon as he attempts to marry, without the need for any additional action from Church authorities.
The term "latae sententiae" refers to a type of penalty that is incurred automatically at the moment a specific delict (offense) is committed, without the need for a formal declaration or sentence by ecclesiastical authority. This is distinct from "ferendae sententiae," which requires a formal process to impose the penalty.
The implications of this penalty are significant. The suspension means that the cleric is barred from performing any sacramental duties or functions associated with his priestly office. This includes celebrating the Eucharist, hearing confessions, and performing other sacraments.
The letter below suggests that this brother of ours asked to be reduced to the lay state (laicized) last year. However, before that process could begin, our brother went ahead to marry. His ACT of marriage, while still a validly ordained priest, automatically incurs the Latae Sententiae. This isn't the Bishop's doing. It is simply the law. We all know this.
As I've earlier written, please pray for your priests. Many of us are passing through situations you may never be able to imagine. But do not be troubled. These things happen!
© Oselumhense Anetor, 2025
