What is Matrimony according to the Church of Rome?
Rome teaches that matrimony is a Sacrament appointed by Christ; that it confers grace; that celibacy is a state superior to marriage, and that the Church’s authority to alter the Levitical law regarding the impediments to marriage, either cancelling or adding to those laid down in Scripture; that the Church has a right to prohibit the solemnisation of marriage in certain seasons; that matrimonial causes belong exclusively to ecclesiastical judges and that marriage is invalid unless contracted in the presence of the parish priest or some other priest authorised by him.
