A Protestant friend is having marital problems

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I have this friend who is a Protestant and in a bad marriage to someone who has been married before. Her current spouse has been cheating on her and I have heard, from another friend, that she would like to get out of this marriage but is too afraid of the stigma that comes with being a divorcee. My friend, who is having marital problems, has just recently let me know that she would like to speak with me for advice in regards to her situation. I am actually kind of shocked that she has reached out to me, for various reasons and since she knows that I am Catholic. I would like to share the faith with her and give her peace of mind that God did not bring this current marriage together and that no sacrament was ever formed. I am pretty well versed and can defend the Church’s position on the indissolubility of marriage. Although after we talk I would like to point her to some sources (articles, books, videos, podcasts) so that she can continue to research the history of marriage and what it is supposed to be, in hopes that she would realize the Catholic Church is right and thus become a member and apply for an annulment. Can anyone point me to some sources that they know have helped others, possibly former Protestants, who found themselves in similar situations? Thanks
 
Oh man. Well, I can understand how she is feeling. I went through that stigma, too, and I obtained an annulment and even still, it feels bad when a marriage doesn’t work out, even if it’s invalid.

You’re a great friend to be there for her. God has a plan for each one of us and our trials and tribulations bring us closer to Him. Perhaps tell her to read Romans 5 which was such a comfort to me, personally.

Life is too short to be so unhappy stuck in a bad marriage. She should leave. It’s better to be alone than being cheated on and hurting.

Walking away and turning to Jesus will allow the healing to start for her. Perhaps help her now by searching for an apartment and a good divorce lawyer.
 
I’m not sure that telling her that she doesn’t have a sacramental marriage and referring her to Catholicism is the way to go about it.

If she is a staunch Protestant, she isn’t going to want to hear it, even though it is true. I know when I was a staunch Protestant, I didn’t want to hear anything about Catholicism.

Perhaps directing her to marriage counseling or Retrouvaille would be better. Maybe the two of you can pray together for her marriage?
 
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