Implementing rules and guidelines for the optional celibacy
This is with regard to the mandate we issue about optional celibacy.
- The candidate for the priesthood must be married before the diaconate.
- The marriage is not civil marriage but church marriage. Catholic marriage. We do not recognize civil wedding.
- The wife of the candidate for the diaconate must have a written consent before the ordination take place.
- The married priests from the Anglican Church and Orthodox Church are accepted.
- All married priests must have one wife. And if the wife dies ahead of them, the priest must remain celibate for ever.
- Those who are ordained deacon and priest in the single status and desired to get married must seek an application to the Pope for the dispensation. And once permitted by the Pope, he should wear a layman’s attire during the marriage ceremony in the Church. He should not wear his priestly vestments during the wedding ceremony wherein he is the groom.
So ordered. Any contrary notwithstanding.
In Christ,
Michael II Pp.
June, 27, 2025