CIRCULAR ON WEDDINGS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA 

Due to the many inquiries being received regarding the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Archdiocese of Manila, we are releasing circular of His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales on this matter.

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Circular No. 2004-65
12 October 2004

TO: ALL THE PARISH PRIESTS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA

RE: ALL WEDDINGS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA

Dear Monsignori/Father:

In compliance with the stipulations of the law as contemplated by the New Code of Canon Law, it is my duty as the Archbishop of Manila to defend the unity of the universal church, to foster the discipline which is common to the whole Church, and to press observance of all ecclesiastical laws.

I have to ensure that abuses do not creep into ecclesiastical discipline, especially concerning the celebration of the sacrament of marriage.

In this connection, I wish to enforce the directive promulgated by my predecessor, His Eminence Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, D.D. that all Catholic marriages within the Archdiocese of Manila should be held only within the parish churches, except for those in “articulo mortis” cases.

To keep orderly records, all clearances, permissions and dispensations regarding marriages must be processed and released by the Chancery Office.

All previous practices and privileges granted to specific chapels are now hereby revoked.

I hope that this prescription will be observed by all those concerned.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL ROSALES, D.D.
Archbishop of Manila