In the last number of the _Record_ we laid down some rules for the
convenience and guidance of the clergy in determining what mass is to
be said on the occasion of marriage. We did not, however, point out
the cases in which the nuptial benediction cannot be given, and when
the mass pro sponso et sponsa cannot be said. The Roman Ritual has the
following words:--"Caveat etiam parochus ne quando conjuges in primis
nuptiis benedictionem acceperint, eos in secundis benedicat, sive mulier
sive etiam vir ad secundas transeat. Sed ubi ea viget consuetudo ut
si mulier nemini unquam nupserit, etiamsi vir aliam uxorem habuerit,
nuptiae benedicantur, ea servanda est. Sed viduae nuptias non benedicat,
etiamsi ejus vir nunquam uxorem duxerit". It is clear from these words
that the nuptial benediction is not to be given, nor is the mass pro
sponso et sponsa, to be said, in case a widow is to be married.
This will appear still more evident from two decrees of the Sacred
Congregation of Rites bearing on this subject:--
No. 4150.--Quaer. 4º "Si mulier esset vidua debetne omitti missa pro
sponso et sponsa et omittendae sunt benedictiones infra eam descriptae
post orationem Dominicam et Ite missa est?"
Ad. 4.--"Si mulier est vidua non solum debet omitti benedictio nuptiarum,
sed etiam, missa propria pro sponso et sponsa. Die 3 Martii, 1761".
And again on the 31st of August, 1839, the following questions were
answered:--
1. Quando nuptiae celebrantur tempore Adventus vel Quadragesimae debetne
fieri commemoratio missae pro sponso et sponsa per Collectam Secretam,
et Post communionem?
2. Licetne recitare supra sponsos preces seu orationes in missali positas
post orationem Dominicam et Ite missa est?
3. Quando praedictae orationes non sunt recitatae in missa nuptiarum,
debentne recitari extra missam elapso tempore prohibito?
Quae singula dubia sedulo de more perpendentes Eminentissimi et
Reverendissimi patres sacris tuendis Ritibus praepositi in ordinario
Coetu ad Quirinale subsignata die coadunati, auditaque fideli relatione
ab infrascripto secretario facta respondendum censuerunt: serventur
Rubricae Missalis ac generalia memorata Decreta quibus edicitur ut
quoniam temporibus ab Ecclesia vetitis, locum haberi nequit solemnis
benedictio nuptiarum, ita pariter inhibetur commemoratio pro sponso
et sponsa in Missa occurrente neque orationes resumendae extra missam
tempore prohibito jam elapso.
Atque ita rescripserunt, declararunt ac servandum omnino mandarunt.
Die 31 Augusti, 1839.
We shall now proceed to answer other questions which were some time since
sent to us by a much respected and zealous clergyman in connexion with
the administration of marriage.
1. In what part of the church are the spouses to take their places? are
they to stand or kneel during the ceremony?