MG: Can a priest say whatever he wants at a wedding? Understand the case of "sincere"

A wedding in Divinópolis (MG) was canceled after spiritual counseling in which Father Chrystian Shankar identified signs of imbalance in the relationship.

The case gained national visibility after the priest reported that the groom presented a list of 13 demands for change to the bride, while stating that he himself did not need to change any behavior.

The religious's guidance was based on the lack of reciprocity and dialogue between the couple.

What is the discernment process
The episode brought to light the concept of the discernment process, a practice established by the Catholic Church to assist believers in fundamental decisions. This period consists of a time of prayer, reflection and accompaniment, generally lasting from six months to a year.

The central objective is for the individual, with the help of a spiritual director, to be able to identify the divine will for their life.

Although the term is often associated with entering seminaries or convents, the Church also applies it to the vocation to marriage.

Application to marriage and lay vocations
Historically, the term "vocation" was restricted to religious life and the priesthood.

However, since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has come to consider marriage and single life as lay vocations, which require the same level of commitment to faith and emotional maturity.

In the case that occurred in Minas Gerais, the priest used discernment to warn about the lack of readiness for the sacrament.

According to the parish priest, it is necessary to recognize signs of arrogance and external interference - such as excessive influence from family members - before establishing the bond. For current Catholic doctrine, marriage must be a full expression of charity and reciprocal love.

The role of the spiritual advisor
The role of the priest or spiritual director in vocational discernment is not to make the decision for the believer, but to provide tools for him to see the reality of the relationship.

In the report about the cancellation, Shankar stated that he did not order the engagement to end, but recommended that the ceremony not be scheduled until the conflicts and lack of dialogue were resolved.

The outcome, with the end of the relationship, is defended by the religious as a proof of maturity, arguing that it is less painful to interrupt an engagement than to maintain a union without preparation.

Source: CNN