Dictionary

A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.

Or browse the dictionary by selecting a letter!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

LIGAMEN

An existing marriage acting as a deterring impediment to another marriage. It exists until the death of either party is legally attested or morally certain. Exceptions are the dissolution by the Church of a natural marital bond or a nonconsummated sacramental marriage. An apparent exception is when the Church declares a previous marital union, considered valid and sacramental, to have been nor real marriage at all.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

Click here to advertise on CatholicCulture.org