Monica

Typically the language in the marriage ceremony includes the term "case y vele" which means that everything from the matrimonial investigation was in order, and everything required by the Council of Trent for a canonical marriage has been done. Sometimes you will see "case y no vele." I believe this means that there was some "issue," but not sufficient to prevent the marriage. Often, in these cases there will be a "vele" done a few days or weeks later, sometimes longer, after the "issue" has been settled.

I use the earlier date in my records, but also note the second date.

I have never gotten a good sense of what "vele" means. I think the literal translation is "veiled"; perhaps it means having the marriage blessed by the Church. Can anyone provide a better explanation?

The essential purpose of the matrimonial investigation is to ensure that the couple is free to marry (or if young, have their parent's permission), not presently married, there are no impediments such as being too closely related either by blood (consanguinity) or marriage (affinity), they are of both Catholic, if either was married before, if the prior spouse is truly deceased. Witnesses were required for both partners. Initially, this was all written out by hand, in later periods, there was a form that was filled out and sworn to by all concerned.

Notice of the marriage was announced from the pulpit on three successive Sundays (this is the Banns); these dates are often in the marriage record. This is to allow anyone in the parish to come forth and raise issues why the couple should not get married.

The matrimonial investigation will sometimes give data not available in the marriage record: ages, place of birth and residence, parents names, prior spouse (sometimes with death date and burial place, or simply how long ago the spouse died). Sometimes (in later periods), there will be a reference to the baptismal records (parish, book number and page). Some of the witnesses may be relatives, with relationship given.

Ocassionally the names in the matrimonial investigation will differ from the marriage record. The names in the marriage record may get shortened.

In general, this is still done today; although publishing the banns is much less common. Couples still go through the investigation process, may still have to apply for and be granted dispensations in some cases; if not granted they cannot be married in the Church, and must be married civilly.

In the period before about 1750, the matrimonial investigations are very useful records to have. They become less useful, but then in the later 1800s and into the 1900s are quite useful.

George Fulton
Pleasanton, CA

Dear Monica,
Regarding your first question. Yes, if the groom and bride came from different towns, announcements of the intention of marriage, and corresponding documentation was recorded in their respective parish. Regarding the 'informacion matrimonial' it would be the first step to establish whether there were any impediments because of consanguinity or other non filial relationships. If any was to be found, then the bishop would have to provide the 'dispensa'. Finally, the informacion matrimonial may contain valuable informacion other than the parents names. Also, the names of the parents often appear with variations that gives you clues about ancestral relationships. Finally, if a dispensa was required, then you can then search the Mitra for the specific information that generally contains a detailed description of how the couple was related.

Sincerely

Jaime Alvarado