Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-11-23
MARRYING BY PROXY"


FROM the 1IJJaDuTS IOst, NV To-
One of the most novel and interesting
marriages ever performed in this country,
was celebrated on the LIST of November by
Bishop Domenec, between Fernandez De
Gominez, a Spanish nobleman, and Miss
Ledia. daughter of the late DIR. Addison, OF
this city. The unusual circumstance about
the matter is, that the bridegroom was not
personally present, but was married by
"proxy," the party appearing for him being
the brother of lie bride, Mr.. William ADD
son. The document comforting the powers
of acting as "prOxy' for Mr.. De Gominez
is quite bulky one, properly attested, and
ornamented with the proper seals and sig
natures.
As there is considerable miSapprehension
about the matter, our reporter called on
Bishop Domenec last week to learn the eX
act particulars of these singular nuptials.
We were introduced and graciously received,
and after some general remarks proceeded
to ''propound inteTogatories."
"Does not marriage, according to the
Catholic Church, involve the necessity OF
both the parties being physically present at
the CEREMONY
'sNot at all. Marriage in the Catholic
church is both a civil contract and sacra-
ment. The main idea in both is the con-
sent of the contracting parties The docu-
mentary evidence, properly attested, IS as
far as a civil contract is concerned. As a
sacrament, the grace inhering in the sacra-
ment is received by Mr.. De Gominez, who
is morally present, and on whom alone the
sacrament and contract are binding. The
marriage is bona fide, and as complete a
fnality as though the actual contracting
party were physically present"
s.Can a sacrament, such as this, be re-
ceived in the Catholic Church by proxy
or Deputy"
"Undoubtedly, where there is anecessity,
and where the proper conditions have been
complied with"
care such marriages of frequent occur
ence?"
"They are extremely rare"
"Do you remember any parallel in
stance?"
/ "Yes, the sister of Miss Addison was
also married to Spanish gentleman by
proxy.
Is the full grace of the sacrament re-
ceived by the "proXy, " or how about
that?
No, the grace of the sacrament, as such,
is received by Mr.. De G. in Spain, or wher-
ever he may happen to be. There was an
understanding among the parties as to the
time the ceremony was to be performed
and the bride received actually and the
bridegroom virtually all the graCeS attached
| to the sacrament as such.
Was it a custom TO marry parties after
this manner in the early Church?
presume it was during the prosecutions
Is there any special law, ordinance, or
canon in the Catholic Church specifically
covering such a case?
Certainly, or the canonists would not
have mentioned it. Ligouri lays down
specific conditions for such cases. lie men,
tions that the persons must be specifically
named and the conditions enumerated, and
the act be performed before witnesses, etc.
If the "proxy' exceeds the powers dele.
gated by the papers, the, marriage is null
and void. The "proXy" also represents the
'sintentiOn" made known by official papers
Is the marriage ceremony complete by
such marriage?
Complete and binding legally and sacra
mentally. The blessing is given and nnptia
mass celebrated afterward, and these are nc
part of the sacrament.
Is such a ceremony legal in this country:
| l cannot say as to that. 1t depends OF
different laws in different countries.
The Bishop then stated that the party de-
string such marriage must swear, and The
oath be attested by two witnesses, as to it
necessity and the impossihility OF bein!
present. This being settled, in this instance
a sense of delicacy required that the lady
should not visit or go after him until mar
ried. This ended the interview.