Cap. 255 Art. 21Recognition of Catholic marriage.

(1) A marriage celebrated in Malta after the coming into force of this article, in accordance with the norms and formalities established by Canon Law shall as from the moment of its celebration, be recognised and have the same civil effects as a marriage celebrated in accordance with the norms and formalities of this Act.

(2) The provisions of sub-article (1) shall apply only where:

(a) the banns required by this Act have been either published or dispensed with in accordance with articles 7 to 10 and the Registrar has issued a certificate attesting such publication or dispensation;

(b) the parish priest who in accordance with Canon Law has jurisdiction in the place where the marriage was celebrated transmits to the Director of the Public Registry an act of marriage in the form as may be prescribed duly signed by such authority as is provided for in the Agreement; and

(c) no impediment to the marriage as is referred to in articles 3, 4, 5 and 6, subsists. So however that the competent organs of the Catholic Church may for the purpose of catholic marriages under this Act grant authorisations or dispense from the restrictions in article 3(2) and article 5(1)(c) and (d).

(3) The certificate referred to in sub-article (2)(a) hereof shall constitute definite and conclusive proof of its contents.