Hi Dave, Thanks for the information on dispensations. In this particular case the marriage between James HUGHES and Bridget KELAGHER took place on 4 days prior to the dispensation. It may have been that after the marriage some new information turned up that made the dispensation necessary. There were two witnesses to each event: PATRICIO FEHELY and Anna Reynolds to the marriage and Casolo(?) McCann and Bridget Hughes to the dispensation. I will do some more 'spadework' to see if I can find out what the dispensation might have been. For instance, if I find that Bridget Hughes was some how related to a Kelagher, then this might suggest consanguinity. Question: Was Patricio Fehely noted above a Patricia or a Patrick? I and clueless when it comes to Latin. Thanks for the help, Charlie King David wrote: Hi Charlie, You're right, I think. Today dispensations are between the priest and the marriage tribunal and done on paper. We just make a notation in the record book that the dispensation was granted. The witnesses are for the marriage itself. I don't know why your dispensation needed witnesses--- but that was a long time ago. There are other "dispensations" available. One is from "canonical form" which would be for a Catholic getting married to a non-Catholic in her church. Another would be for having the wedding outside a church building (in the city park, in a hospital bed, SCUBA diving, etc). I suspect the only way you will know for sure is to review the entire record book and see if you can come up with some patterns. Dave _____________________________________________________________ Click for top financial advice. Reduce debt & save for retirement. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2111/fc/REAK6ZpP5eB59acqZsrlTbfWKHuyyeUuq80Jb2Ksujh8pCYvO02Cbq/