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December 5, 2005, 9:02 am PST
Marriage Annulment
Quote From: jlangelThere is a very big difference between a legal annulment and an invalidation of marriage within the Catholic faith. One has nothing to do with the other and consequently has nothing to do with the children of that marriage.
It is very difficult to obtain an invalidation (several years in most cases) in the Catholic Church. It is not taken lightly and must prove certain points that have only to do with the "intention" of the marriage. It also has to be proven that you have made every effort to make the marriage work and that must be supported by witnesses to the marriage. At no time does it have anything at all to do with the love and devotion a parent feels for their children. Marriage is a sacrament in The Church, but one that can not be fullfilled by only one partner. You have to have the cooperation of two people and that is not always possible. Adult children who love their parents would want them to be able to receive the sacraments and continue practicing their faith. These "children" seem to be centered on themselves more than the love of God and family. it's very hard to receive an annulment in the Catholic Church. Marriage is a sacrament as well as a legal contract. The Church, since you can't re-marry & still receive the sacraments, has for centuries used the
vehicle of annulment. Reasons for an annulment are varied - but if one party entered into the marriage w/o the right intentions, then usually an annulment is granted. If you were pregnant & married simply because it was "the right thing", if you told your spouse you would have children & then decided not to, if you felt guilty about someone yet still married them. These are a few examples of a marriage based on bad decisions and a bad foundation. Annulment has nothing to do with the children. It takes a lot of writing and soul searching in the application process. You're asked to have several people who knew you and your spouse while you were married answer, in writing, a series of questions about their observations of the marriage. If only one person applies for it the other spouse has an opportunity to answer & analyze the same questions as the petitioning spouse. It takes a lot of time & work to complete this process. I hope Pat's daughters, through time & prayer can come to grips with this situation.
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