Mgr Charles SciclunaA total of 1,387 Church marriages were registered in Malta in 2014, an increase of 68 compared to 2013, a statement by the Curia said yesterday.
Of these, 1,183 were between Maltese couples, 53 between Maltese and foreign couples, 138 between foreign couples, and 13 between Maltese couples who live abroad.
The 53 marriages between Maltese and foreign couples were divided as follows: 29 between Maltese and Catholic foreigners, 20 between Maltese Catholics and non-Catholic Christians, and four between Maltese and non-Christian foreigners.
The 53 foreign nationals who married in church consisted of 27 men and 26 women from 26 different countries, mainly Italy (11) and the UK (10).
The most popular months for church weddings were May, June and July, while most couples were aged between 20 and 29.
In 2014, there were 48 marriages that were convalidated, which means that couples already married civilly asked to be married in church.
There were also six widows and widowers who remarried and 28 people who married after their first marriage was annulled.
The figures released by the Curia yesterday do not include marriages that took place in Gozo.
Meanwhile, Apostolic Administrator Charles Scicluna yesterday evening addressed couples who married in 2014 and thanked them for choosing to marry in the Church.
Speaking at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Mgr Scicluna told the couples that their attendance at Sunday Mass and their prayers would help them strengthen their spiritual bond and their love for each other.
Church marriages in Malta
2014 - 1,387
2013 - 1,319
2012 - 1,562
2011 - 1,520
2010 - 1,424