What is the difference between Canonical Interview and Pre-Cana Seminar?
The Canonical Interview is usually held at the Diocese of your Church or your location. The procedure depends on every Church or parish priest of your community. In our case, we were asked to go to Diocese of Paranaque for our Canonical Interview, even our church is in Alabang, Muntinlupa. It is only scheduled every Tuesday, with first come first serve basis. So we arrived early around 9 o'clock in the morning and we were in the 5th or 6th inline. We were asked to answer sets of questions about each other in the questionnaires given. Let me recall the questions, it goes something like these but not in exact words:
- How long do you know each other?
- How long are you engaged?
- Are you previously married? If yes, how long? Are you annulled?
- Do you have a child? If yes, how many?
- Are you previously a seminarian? If yes, what is the reason for quitting?
- Do you have a drug problem/s?
- Do you have an alcohol problem/s?
- Do you have a terminal illness?
- Do you have an illness that might be hindrance to sexual intercourse?
- If he has a problem with drugs, alcohol or sexuality, will you still marry him?
- and many more...
When it is our turn for the canonical interview, we entered Fr. Raf's office. Then, cooking show started. Lelz (paggigisa starts now! Hahaha) Well, in my part no hard questions were asked. When Fr. Raf asked me how many boyfriends I had, well it took me 15 minutes to answer because it is hard to count eh. Charot. I immediately answered him with, "His my first and only boyfriend." Haha So ayun, Father gave his attention to my fiancé. It is more on validating the answers in the questionnaires with follow up questions and explanations why they need to know those things. The interview lasted for less than 30 minutes. But if you have a complicated history, the personnel in the Church inform us it might take up to 2 hours. Once done, they will give you the permission for the marriage banns. (Marriage banns is another story.hihi)
Next, Pre-cana or Church/ marriage orientation, it is about the do's and don'ts inside the Church and during the ceremony. We invited our suppliers so they would know the rules for the big day. We were with our coordinator, representative for our photographers and videographers, lecturers and choir. Well, not everyone actually has the luxury of time (can't able to attend) so I decided to send some copies of the do's and dont's via facebook messenger or viber to those who can't make it.
After less than an hour, next part of the orientation is the 4 modules about marriage, that was discussed by a real life couple which they relate the scenarios thru their experiences in their married life. I learned a lot from them and I am thankful that they shared a glimpse of married life. It is not always fun and exciting. Couple sometimes have dramas so be ready for whatever will come. Be strong and God should be the center of your relationship. :)
Finally, done for both :)
My advise for other couples, be yourselves and be as honest as possible. They will guide you thru the process and will help you how to work things out. Good luck to the future brides and grooms! Congrats!
Finally, done for both :)
My advise for other couples, be yourselves and be as honest as possible. They will guide you thru the process and will help you how to work things out. Good luck to the future brides and grooms! Congrats!
