Catholic Priest Sparks Reactions With Strong Warning To Couples After Traditional Marriage

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Prince Chidi Philip, has urged Christians, particularly Catholics, to complete their traditional marriages with a Church wedding, stressing that marriage should be formally celebrated and blessed by the Church.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the priest made the call in a Facebook post, where he expressed concern over what he described as the growing tendency among young Christians to stop at traditional marriage without proceeding to a Church ceremony.

Philip said traditional marriage should not be regarded as the final stage of the marriage process for Christians, particularly Catholics, and encouraged couples to approach their priests to complete the necessary Church requirements.

“As a Catholic priest, this is one point I will continue to insist on, even if it makes some people uncomfortable,” he said.

He further stated that Catholics who have completed only their traditional marriage should abstain from sexual relations until their marriage has been celebrated and blessed according to Church requirements.

“The truth is that, after a traditional marriage, you do not have the right to sleep with your spouse until after the marriage has been celebrated and blessed by the Church,” Philip said.

He added that, under Catholic teaching, having sexual relations with a spouse after a traditional marriage without a valid Church wedding is considered a mortal sin.

The priest also addressed concerns about the cost of conducting a Church wedding, urging couples who may be unable to afford an elaborate ceremony to speak with their parish priest about simpler options.

He explained that couples could complete the necessary preparations and have their marriage blessed during a morning Mass, noting that a Church wedding does not necessarily have to involve significant expenses.

Philip maintained that Church marriage should not be treated as optional by Catholics, stressing that Catholics have a serious obligation to have their marriages celebrated in accordance with the laws and teachings of the Church.