[cecilia34]

I am 75 yrs old and widowed 10 yrs ago. About 8 yrs ago I met a nice widower and we seemed to get along. He doesn't live nearby, so he flies to my town and stays for a while. As time goes, he stays with me more and more. Now he goes home about twice a year to visit family.

In the meantime, I have had double by-pass and he stayed and took care of me; my children are not living nearby. We seemed to have settled in like an old couple (without Marriage) We are both 75 yrs and our relationship is like good friends who love each other.

I am a devout Catholic, but I am living on my late husband's pension and his medical insurance. The medical is priority for me. He is also on his late wife's pension and medical insurance. If we married I would loose everything. I am not sure if he can even put me on his medical insurance.

I wondered if I can have this union blessed without the legal part?

Thank you

Ceci

[startingover]

Your situation is difficult but not unique. Many people are finding love in their later years and then being faced with the prospect of financial stress if they marry.

As a devout Catholic, you must already know the Church cannot bless a couple in an unmarried state. This flies in the face of canon law and the moral ethics embraced by the Church. If you are living together only as good friends and there is no sex involved, a priest can come to bless your home with holy water. Perhaps that will put your mind at peace.

You don't indicate that your partner is interested in marriage, but if you decide to wed, please talk with a lawyer about your rights concerning your former husband's pension and insurance policy.

Whatever you decide to do, put your lives in God's hands and trust Him to provide for you. It is safe to follow an amazing God who loves you beyond life itself.

May God guide you as you seek His will.