Choose a topic from Part 3 Suppl:
1. Blood relationship or consanguinity isestablished by natural descent from a common ancestor.
2. Degrees of consanguinity are distinguished according tolines. The ascending and descending line (father, son,grandson, great-grandson) is the direct line. The lines onthe various levels of the ascending and descending line are calledlateral or collateral lines (brother, sister, firstcousins, second cousins, and so on).
3. Consanguinity is, by natural law, an impediment tomarriage between certain closely related persons. It would becontrary to the ends of marriage, chief of which is the welfare ofoffspring, if inbreeding were practiced. What was necessary in thebeginning of the race is not needed now. The voice of nature, aswell as the voice of human experience, proclaims the unlawfulnessof marriage between near relatives.
4. The Church, by her disciplinary or regulative laws(canons), fixes the degrees of consanguinity within which marriageis forbidden.
"Men should often renew their good resolutions, and not lose heart because they are tempted against them."
St Philip Neri
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"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself.
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Thomas á Kempis
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"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine
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