Form completed by couple with ceremony date of 21 January 1978; signed by Fr Mossey
Mossey, John J Rev Hon. CF (-1995)Form completed for couple; signed by Fr Mossey
Mossey, John J Rev Hon. CF (-1995)Meetings of the Working Party on the Pastoral aspect of irregular marriages. Going to see Derek Worlock in Liverpool but should have done his homework for the meeting in 3rd week of October.
Wrote to David Norris to criticise two statements in the draft Canon Law document on Marriage - must not use the word "murder" for abortion - guess what the other point was!
Covering letter for a note on the proposal for handling mixed marriages. A stumbling block. May not stay on the International Commission [ARCIC?] is the Cardinal's proposals go through.
Butler, Basil Edward Christopher Rev OSB (1902-1986)"This year's diocese of East Anglia Marriage and Family Life Mass was back in-person at St John's Cathedral in Norwich on Saturday, 18th June." Story continues.
image caption: "Pictured below are all the couples marking significant anniversaries with Bishop Alan at the Marriage
Mass"
Bishop comments:
Case 1: your judgement; my support; need a trusted person; update the dispensation appropriately
Case 2: Not sure he understands this case - need to check on what dispensations were in effect (held in Northampton); what is the desire to bring up the children as Catholics?
It would not be possible to give a dispensation from the information provided. Unlikely that once married they'd be able to "sort things out" and whilst described by Fr Richmond as (very) good people they remain "confused".
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Sketching out the agenda for the Hierarchy Meeting and for the debate of the Statutes. Perhaps Cormac, Pat Kelly, Vincent and self, etc. to meet. Points to make:
- dispensation from celibacy for married clergy judged suitable candidates for priesthood
- Holy Father and CDF said be "generous" and "flexible" - too hasty a response will send wrong signals
- several Bishops (Southwark, Arundel & Brighton, East Anglia) putting their men through a two year part time course at Wonersh - two years should be a minimum.
- time prior to preparation should include that already undertake
- ordination should not be presumed
- finance needs spelling out
Latin document mentioning: Jacob Shanahan, 45; Brigitta Shanahan, 35; Borris O'Leigh [sic] [Borrisoleigh] in county Tipperary, Ireland; now living in Great Yarmouth.
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Bishop Thomas Joseph Brown issued this instruction on mixed marriages as increasing numbers of Catholic-Protestant marriages were taking place in England and Wales. These caused concern to the Catholic clergy, as the Catholic partners may be influenced by their Protestant spouses and eventually abandon their faith.
This instruction provided guidance on how to handle mixed marriages. It emphasised the importance of preserving the Catholic faith in these marriages and urged Catholic partners to do all they could to ensure that their children were raised as Catholics.
The instruction also provided guidance on the proper way to celebrate mixed marriages, emphasizing the importance of obtaining a dispensation from the bishop and requiring the non-Catholic partner to sign a written agreement promising to respect the Catholic faith and to allow the Catholic partner to practice their religion.
Bishop's OfficePapers signed, passed to "Mac" for forwarding to Fr Brown.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Repeats the content of the original letter from Rev Dr Franz Fellinger and encloses the interrogatory (not available) to be put to Mr B Boulos. The Bishop delegates Fr Courtney to do this in the presence of a responsible person to act as a notary.
Side 2, Notary's handwritten record of answers to the questions put:
"1. Yes I have been disarrayed.
- The accusation is false.
- Indignantly denies having been to house of prostitution
- Denies walking out with a dancing woman or any woman.
- It is not true denies both points of accusation
[undecipherable 5 words] by me (signed) Bishara Boulos"
Witness to the signature of B Boulos J Courtney SJ [word?] Delegate of [Bishop of Northampton]
(signed) Edward Julius Cox Notary
Sends the countersigned application. "I hope I have done it proprely[sic]".
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Bishop sets out his requirements pertaining to a couple. Need for marriage to be convalidated and man absolved from censure prior to receiving sacraments.
Manuscript note: Bernard Kelly / Louisa Pettit - 15/11/1900
Bishop does not think the time for an intervention is now. The invalid marriage in the Reform Church might have been allowed - the wife is the key to this. The Bishop will speak to Fr Thomson.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)The Bishop wants to help reconciliation with the Church. Being near death and wishing this is not moral cowardice; this frame of mind is helpful even though there is grief and sadness. The Bishop summarises the situation, indicates that the way back can be made easier, and promises to contact the Parish Priest.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)New Ritual is authorised and adopted throughout the diocese. Forms as prescribed by the New Ritual are to be used for registering baptisms, confirmations, marriages and deaths. Mixed marriages - handling them and ensuring the promises are obtained with regard to children.
p.s Monthly meeting of the Diocesan Chapter will be followed by a general meeting of the clergy. Dinner at 3.
Meeting with the clergy gave the opportunity for the renewal of missionary faculties and withdrawal of those not granted in writing.
Difficult question of the Sacrament of Marriage and how many decrees relating to this are not widely known. Clandestine marriages were addressed through decree form the Council of Trent and has been promulgated many Catholic countries [lists them] and not others including England. There are problems in parishes where clandestine [mixed] marriages are now an impediment because of the decree. There follows a set of arguments quoting passages in Latin citing authorities dating back to at least 1683. Specific extract form the Bishop of Southwark to his clergy dated 1 November 1855.
Advises on the form or request for a dispensation in marriage, especially being satisfied that certain pre-conditions have been met.
Form 1 - Application for Dispensation for a mixed marriage [in Latin]
Form 2 - Application for a Dispensation in the case of diriment impediment, when both parties are Catholics [in Latin]
Form 3 - Application for a Dispensation in the case of diriment impediment, when one of the parties is not Catholic[in Latin]
pg 10 [60] includes manuscript notes.
Headed "Private"; address given as Somerton Hall, near Gt Yarmouth, Norfolk. Discussing the requirements for a mixed marriage with the priests at "The Holy Angels, Norfolk Road, Bayswater" [probably St Mary of the Angels, Moorhouse Road, Bayswater, London]. As resident of the diocese he is asking the bishop to grant a dispensation to allow the marriage to take place at the church mentioned. Both parties are over 70 years old.
Manuscript annotation: "Sent a mixed marriage application form to be filled up [illegible] Fr Thompson July 6/26".
Advises Fr Courtney that he needs to contact the Bishop with full details of this mixed marriage and the agreement of the parties to his proposal for regularising it.
Freeland, John Francis Rev (1861-1940)