What are solemn espousals which are celebrated before marriage?
They consist essentially in the promise made by two aspiring to marriage to contract marriage with each other at some future time. For them to be valid in conscience and before the world it is necessary for this promise to be made in writing and that it be signed by both parties, and by the parish priest or the bishop of the place, or at least by two witnesses. If one does not know how to write or is unable to do so, the fact must be mentioned in the document and another witness brought forward as testimony thereof (XLIII. 1; Code, Canon 1017).
Do espousals or an engagement to marry give the right to the use of marriage before the marriage is celebrated?
No. Those fiancés who act thus, apart from the fact that they commit a mortal sin, arouse the anger of God, who, later on, may. make them pay dearly for the abuse of the holiness of their espousals.
Next - The Catechism of the Summa - Tertia Pars - XLIV. OF THE INTERMEDIARY STATE OF THOSE SOULS WHO AFTER DEATH ARE AWAITING THE DAY OF THE LAST RESURRECTION; AND OF PURGATORY (A)
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