Bible Dictionaries
Ne Temere

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

An important article of matrimonial law, issued by Pope Pius X, which went into effect at Easter, 1908. It extended to the whole world the "Tametsi" Decree of the Council of Trent in a modified form. It does not affect the marriages of non-Catholics who have never been Catholics, but does affect Catholics who have fallen away from their faith. The decree takes its name from its opening words, signifying "Lest rashly...." Its principal features are as follows:

• It extends to the whole Church the impediment of clandestinity, which previously had been in force only in certain parts; it makes a marriage invalid unless performed by a parish priest in his own parish, or by a bishop in his own diocese, or by a delegate of either, in the presence of at least two witnesses.
• No pastor and no bishop can validly perform a marriage outside the limits of his own territory without the permission of the parish priest or bishop of the place.
• If a pastor or a bishop, within the limits of his territory, should join a couple, neither of whom resides therein, the marriage is valid but unlawful, being an infringement on the rights of the pastor of the parties.
• Under certain circumstances a valid and licit Catholic marriage may take place without a priest. See also, marriage without a priest.
• Marriages must be registered in the place or places where the contracting parties were baptized.