MARRIAGE BY SURPRISE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2683, 8 June 1889, Page 5 (Supplement)

MARRIAGE BY SURPRISE.

An extraordinary occurrence has taken place iu one of the principal churches of Madrid, in the parish of Santa Cruz. A priest had nearly finished his mass, and was in the act of pronouncing the sacramental words, " Ite, mUsa est," when a young man aged 21, and a beautiful girl of 20, suddenly approached the altar-railing with three middle-aged men, and the young couple cried aloud, "We wish to be husband and wife. Hero are our throe witnesses." Now it seems that, under the canonical laws still regulating marriages in Spain, Roman Catholics can thus claim to be considered married by surprise if they are skilful enough to do so just after the priest has uttered the benediction at the close of mass. Formerly this stratagem was, as in the present case, resorted to by young people whose parents opposed their union. When this occurred iu the Church of Santa Cruz a scene of confusion ensued. The priest retired to the sacristy, and sent for the police, who conducted the oll'enders and witnesses into the presence of the municipal judge. He declared the marriage valid, much to tiie delijiht of the young couple, and to the inten.-e disgust of the parents of botli sides, who had resisted the union.