Ask the Experts

Home: Second Weddings: Religious Issues:
Catholic ex-husband getting remarried

smizawski
New User

Post #1 of 2 (1970 views)

Catholic ex-husband getting remarried

I am a life-long Catholic who married a non-Catholic in a Catholic ceremony 17 years ago. He became a Catholic about 4 years later. We are now (recently - Dec 07) divorced. He has been engaged for at least 6 months and will be getting married in April. Obviously, there has been some infidelity going on even prior to the divorce being final. I do not know if his fiance is Catholic.

What, if anything does this mean for me? I have no plans of getting remarried anytime soon, but should I pursue annulment proceedings at this point? Can I even do that?

Although I should not worry, what could this mean for him, especially if he is marrying a Catholic but she does not know the whole story?

Complicated, yes, and I know I need to speak to my parish priest, but wanted another opinion.

Thanks!

Thank you for your response. I forgot to add that my ex was married before me - to a non-Catholic who had been married before also!!!! He sought and obtained an annulment so that we could be married in the Catholic Church as I felt was the only way to carry on with my life as a Catholic. Yes, even more comlications, but I do appreciate your advice. My family has already said they felt bad for his next - #3.

(This post was edited by smizawski on Feb 27, 2008, 7:46 PM)

startingover
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS

Post #2 of 2 (1953 views)

Re: [smizawski] Catholic ex-husband getting remarried [In reply to]

You are correct that your case is complicated. Since you married in a Catholic ceremony, we assume everything was done according to canon law and your marriage was considered binding and sacramental.

What this means for you is that you will need an annulment should you decide to remarry in the Catholic Church. Although the process of revisiting old memories can be painful, it is often suggested that recently divorced Catholics complete this process while the memories are still clear and witnesses can still be found. It's much harder a few years down the road if God sees fit to bring a new love into your life.

The annulment process can be very emotionally healing, especially in cases such as yours, where one spouse had no intention of remaining faithful. Your priest will be able to explain the process to you and get you started as the petitioner.

As for your former husband, unless he petitions for the annulment first, he will be the respondant in your annulment proceeding and will have to answer questions just as you will. Receiving an annulment is the only way either of you will be permitted to remarry in the Catholic Church.

It is quite possible your former husband is not seeking Catholic remarriage, since he has already set a wedding date and a priest would not allow this without an annulment first.

You may find it healing to pray for his fiancee. After all, she's marrying a man who cheated on his wife.

We hope some of this advice helps you. May God bless and comfort you with His amazing love.
Kay and Dennis Flowers
Authors of
Catholic Annulment, Spiritual Healing