Vatican grants permission for nun to officiate at wedding

Canon Law allows a layperson to officiate under certain circumstances.

The Vatican has allowed a nun to officiate at a wedding in Quebec.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- The Vatican has allowed a nun to officiate at a wedding in Quebec. Does this mean the Vatican is about to ordain women to the priesthood?

Not really. Under Canon Law, a layperson can officiate at a wedding if a bishop, priest or deacon is unavailable. The special permission granted by the Vatican does not represent a change in the position of the Church regarding women in the priesthood.

The reason for the decision involves a shortage of priests and deacons in the diocese. Bishop Dorylas Moreau of the diocese of Rouyn-Noranda said he has only 16 priests to cover 35 parishes. The diocese covers over 9,000 square miles of territory and can be a challenge to navigate. There are 75 nuns in the diocese.

For this reason, the Vatican granted permission for Sister Pierrette Thiffault to officiate at a wedding held on July 22 in Lorrainville, Quebec. The couple who married are identified only as David and Cindy. According to the Church, Sister Thiffault knew David from when he was a high school student and studied catechism in her class.

Sister Thiffault does not know if she will be asked to officiate at another wedding, but she thinks it is possible and she is willing to do so. She described the wedding as "precious" and memorable. The priest shortage will persist, although the diocese has three deacons in formation.

If the need arises, the Vatican will need to grant permission again, and Sister Thiffault will be ready.