M
MARrshh3
Guest
I have some questions about annulments, and I know the best source for information is a local Priest; but we’re not quite to that point yet, so here’s the situation.
My wife and her 3 siblings were raised Catholic – Catholic mom (herself a convert at age 19), protestant dad who never really attended church much after reaching adulthood. They were good, hard-working people of modest means. No Catholic school, as they lived in a small rural community and had to commute several miles to the nearest mission church. But mom took them, every Sunday and Holy Day, and to religious education class with Father after Mass.
Sadly, all 4 kids drifted away from the Church. My wife (the oldest) left to marry me, but I later converted and we were re-married to each other in the Church, thanks be to God. Of the 2 boys, one reconnected with the Church before his death, and the other would probably do the same but for the objections of his protestant wife.
That leaves the baby, my wife’s only sister, in her mid 50’s now and longing to “come back.” She’s had a rough time of it: her mom died just as she was finishing high school, and her dad remarried and moved away from the area – the only area “Babe” had ever known, leaving her feeling quite abandoned. Lots of emotional turmoil. Long story short: she quit going to Mass, married and divorced twice in fairly rapid succession – to local boys, both of whom were prone to physical violence toward her. Don’t know for sure, but it’s highly doubtful that either of these guys were ever baptized. And it’s a safe bet that there won’t be any cooperation whatsoever from either one of them with regard to investigating the validity of the marriages – or anything else. A couple of Babe’s gal pals could give you an earful, though.
Finally, a few years later she married a 3rd time, and this time it’s a good marriage. It’s lasted several years now, and they’re happy together. Her husband, also a non-attending protestant, was himself married and divorced once when he was younger. He’s a nice guy and would be willing to re-marry her in the Church if she wishes.
She DOES so wish, but is fearful and reluctant to begin the process, mostly because it seems so insurmountable.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated, and thanks in advance.
My wife and her 3 siblings were raised Catholic – Catholic mom (herself a convert at age 19), protestant dad who never really attended church much after reaching adulthood. They were good, hard-working people of modest means. No Catholic school, as they lived in a small rural community and had to commute several miles to the nearest mission church. But mom took them, every Sunday and Holy Day, and to religious education class with Father after Mass.
Sadly, all 4 kids drifted away from the Church. My wife (the oldest) left to marry me, but I later converted and we were re-married to each other in the Church, thanks be to God. Of the 2 boys, one reconnected with the Church before his death, and the other would probably do the same but for the objections of his protestant wife.
That leaves the baby, my wife’s only sister, in her mid 50’s now and longing to “come back.” She’s had a rough time of it: her mom died just as she was finishing high school, and her dad remarried and moved away from the area – the only area “Babe” had ever known, leaving her feeling quite abandoned. Lots of emotional turmoil. Long story short: she quit going to Mass, married and divorced twice in fairly rapid succession – to local boys, both of whom were prone to physical violence toward her. Don’t know for sure, but it’s highly doubtful that either of these guys were ever baptized. And it’s a safe bet that there won’t be any cooperation whatsoever from either one of them with regard to investigating the validity of the marriages – or anything else. A couple of Babe’s gal pals could give you an earful, though.
Finally, a few years later she married a 3rd time, and this time it’s a good marriage. It’s lasted several years now, and they’re happy together. Her husband, also a non-attending protestant, was himself married and divorced once when he was younger. He’s a nice guy and would be willing to re-marry her in the Church if she wishes.
She DOES so wish, but is fearful and reluctant to begin the process, mostly because it seems so insurmountable.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated, and thanks in advance.
