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widow marrying a divorced man. Do I need an annulment?

tmennell
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Post #1 of 2 (1933 views)

widow marrying a divorced man. Do I need an annulment?

I was widowed 2 1/2 years when I met a wonderful gentleman.

I'm catholic and he's Methodist. He is also divorced.

We fell in love and wanted to marry. We went to my priest and asked him to marry us. He said he couldn't because my fiance was divorced. He suggested an anulment. We didn't want to do that. I asked the priest when we got married if I would be able to receive the sacrements. He said no.

My question is: Is it because I've sinned (marrying a divorcee) and if I went to confession would that be absolved. I'm very hurt not to be able to receive Eucharist. I love my catholic faith but am very discouraged with it right now. I am very happily married now but would love to take communion.

thank you,

tm

(This post was edited by tmennell on May 15, 2006, 10:49 AM)

startingover
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS

Post #2 of 2 (1911 views)

Re: [tmennell] widow marrying a divorced man. Do I need an annulment? [In reply to]

The Catholic Church views any marriage between two baptized persons as a valid and permanent union, unless proven otherwise. Even though he is divorced by civil law, according to the Church's canon law, without an annulment he is still married.

Your priest will be able to give him the paperwork and explain what it all means. After the Tribunal grants the annulment of his previous marriage, the priest can then bless your current marriage. You will then be able to completey express your faith in receiving all the sacraments, with the full blessings of the Church.

As a divorced Protestant, I had to go through the annulment process before I could marry Denny. I did it as an act of sacrificial love so that he would not be hindered in his Catholic faith. It wasn't easy for me, but I learned a great deal about what went wrong in my first marriage and I know enough to avoid making the same mistakes in my present (and very happy!) marriage. All in all, it was good therapy for both of us.

You might find it helpful to read some of the questions and replies in the "Religious Issues" forum on this site. They may address many of your own concerns about annulments. God bless you and guide you.
Kay and Dennis Flowers
Authors of
Catholic Annulment, Spiritual Healing