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THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY MATRIMONY

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (CCC1601)

Marriage between Catholic and Catholic

Requirements :

  • Baptism cards; not more than 6 months from date of issue. We encourage you to obtain a new card from your church of baptism): bring it during your 1st meeting with the priest.
  • For Catholics, your baptism card must have dates and parish of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. If you miss any of these three sacraments, you are advised to enroll for an adult catechism class in your parish. At Holy Family Minor Basilica, we have adult catechism class that begins immediately after Easter and runs until Easter of the following year.
  • National Identification cards for both parties
  • Letters of Freedom (a letter of no objection from your Parish Priest is required).
  • Copy of marriage certificate for witnesses. The witnesses must be practicing Catholics.
  • Make sure you see the Priest in the Parish office with the documents above.

Mixed marriage

Requirements

  • Baptism cards; not more than 6 months from date of issue. We encourage you to obtain a new card from your church of baptism): bring it during your 1st meeting with the priest.
  • For Catholics, your baptism card must have dates and parish of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. If you miss any of these three sacraments, you are advised to enroll for an adult catechism class in your parish. At Holy Family Minor Basilica, we have adult catechism class that begins immediately after Easter and runs until Easter of the following year.
  • National Identification cards for both parties
  • Letters of Freedom (a letter of no objection from Parish Priest of the Catholic party is required).
  • Copy of marriage certificate for witnesses. The witnesses must be practicing Catholics.
  • The two parties (bride and bridegroom shall see the Priest in the Parish office with the documents above.

NOTE: The priest will guide the parties on how they will be granted a dispensation from mixed religion /disparity of cult from the ecclesiastical authority. The parties will also be guided regarding the bringing up of children in the Catholic way.

Matrimony between a citizen and a foreigner

Requirements:

  • Baptism cards; not more than 6 months from date of issue. We encourage you to obtain a new card from your church of baptism): bring it during your 1st meeting with the priest.
  • For Catholics, your baptism card must have dates and parish of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. If you miss any of these three sacraments, you are advised to enroll for an adult catechism class in your parish. At Holy Family Minor Basilica, we have adult catechism class that begins immediately after Easter and runs until Easter of the following year.
  • Letters of Freedom (a letter of no objection from your Parish Priest is required).
  • Documents of no impediment issued by relevant agencies in your country of origin. Visit the following site to obtain a detailed explanation of impediments and requirements https://www.statelaw.go.ke/services-to-the-public/getting-married-in-kenya/registration-of-marriage-by-notice/ We highly encourage you to consult your embassy here in Kenya for other specific requirements.
  • Copy of marriage certificate for witnesses. The witnesses must be practicing Catholics.
  • National ID for Kenyan and Passport for the foreigner
  • Make sure you see the Priest in the Parish office with the documents above.

Banns of Marriage

We shall issue you with Banns to be announced in the Parishes where the two parties were baptized and or home Parish. The couple must ensure that banns are called and returned at least one week before the wedding day. The wedding will not take place if until all the signed banns are returned to the Priest solemnizing the matrimony.

NOTE: This applies to all weddings

Registrar of Marriage license & Special License in case of Citizen versus Foreigner marriage

Requirements :

  • Issued by the office of the Attorney General-Registrar of Marriages.
  • Valid for 90 days from date of application
  • Application done online via ecitizen platform. Get approval from the Priest before making the online application. You will be issued with priest’s license and marriage book serial number.

NOTE: We highly encourage you to personally visit Sheria House for other specific requirements.

Marriage preparation classes/sessions

Upon submitting all the requirements as agreed with the Priest, the couple is expected to follow a marriage preparation course. This normally involves at least six sessions (2 hours each) over a period of six weeks. The Priest will schedule classes for you.

Marriage Liturgy

  • A priest will guide you to choose Readings, Hymns and exchange of vows formula.
  • There should be a rehearsal at least one or two days before the wedding. All the main participants should be present.
  • In a mixed marriage/ Disparity of cult, discuss with the Priest if you wish to have a Nuptial Mass.
  • We allow a priest from outside the parish to celebrate your wedding alongside one from HFB parish. However, inform our priest about this on your FIRST.

Expenses

To receive this sacrament, you join PMC Catechism for children or Adult Catechism for adults.

Parishioners:

  • Host & Wine (2,200)
  • Marriage certificate fee (Kshs. 5,000)
  • Thanksgiving stipend of your ability

TOTAL: Kshs. 6,700 (add thanksgiving stipend)

Non Parishioners:

  • Host & Wine (2,200)
  • Marriage certificate fee (Kshs. 5,000)
  • Thanksgiving stipend (Kshs. 10,000)

TOTAL: Kshs. 16,700

NOTE: These payments are made when the date of celebration has been chosen and booked. This amount is not refundable in the event of the marriage not taking place.

Be Part of Our Faith Family

For more information about the Sacrament of Marriage, visit our parish office on 1st Floor at Cardinal Otunga Annex or contact the parish office on Tel: +254 712 311 394 or drop an email info@holyfamilybasilica.org

Holy Family Basilica

P.O. Box 40891 – 00100, Nairobi

0712 311 394