What is convalidation of a marriage?

Convalidation is the process by which the Church makes valid a marriage that was previously invalid. Depending on the circumstances, this happens through renewed consent or a radical sanation.

Why convalidation may be needed. Catholics are ordinarily required to marry before an authorized Catholic priest or deacon and two witnesses, unless the Church dispenses from canonical form (Canon 1108; CCC 1630). A Catholic who marries only before a civil official, or in a non-Catholic ceremony without the needed dispensation, ordinarily attempts marriage invalidly. Convalidation may also be needed when a dispensable impediment existed or when matrimonial consent was defective.

Simple convalidation. In a simple convalidation, the obstacle is removed and one or both parties make a new act of matrimonial consent (Canons 1156-1160). If the defect involved canonical form, the couple normally exchanges consent according to Catholic form. This is more than having an existing marriage blessed. The new consent creates the valid bond. If both spouses are baptized, the valid marriage is also a sacrament (Canon 1055; CCC 1617).

Radical sanation. A radical sanation, called sanatio in radice, validates the marriage by an act of competent Church authority without requiring a new public exchange of consent. It can dispense from certain impediments and from canonical form, provided valid consent still exists and the impediment is dispensable (Canons 1161-1165). Its canonical effects can be made retroactive to the original wedding date. A sanation cannot repair consent that never existed or no longer exists.

What must be examined first. The Church must confirm that both parties are free to marry. A prior marriage cannot be ignored. It may require proof of a former spouse's death, a declaration of nullity, or another legitimate canonical resolution. Permission may also be needed for a mixed marriage, and a dispensation is required when a Catholic marries an unbaptized person (CCC 1633-1637). Each case depends on its actual facts.

A Catholic in a possibly invalid marriage should speak privately with a parish priest or diocesan marriage office. Until the situation is resolved, the couple should follow the priest's guidance and live chastely, since sexual relations belong within a valid marriage. The goal is not punishment. It is to establish the marriage truthfully before God and bring the couple fully into the sacramental life of the Church.