Catholic becomes Muslim and wants to come back to Catholic faith

[lil_flower_1]

There is a woman whom I know who I went to a catholic school with me and have been in touch since. Because she commited a very mortal sin, she was told she was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. She was not told however, that by confession this could be lifted. She got involved with the internet and met a muslim in which she traveled to an Arab country to meet and marry him and become a muslim. She only spend a week with him during their marriage and was considered a muslim.

Upon her return, she learned he was already married and this was accepted by her new religion. There were many things she did not agree with Islam, one being that, and also the fact that Islam did not believe Jesus the Son of God (The Holy Trinity). This was very troublesome to her, and wanted out of the marriage and of course the religion. Apparently, according to the marriage contract, she had no “rights” to divorce, and he refused to divorce her at all. Unless she brought him to the U.S.A., now this clearly shows that his intention was to gain entry to this country.

Distraught, she felt there was no way out. There was no way she could get a legal divorce, although it was not recognized here in the States. Finally, she learned that she could repent about her past sins and go back to the Catholic faith. The question is now, how can she now that she revert to Islam. Although, now she says she is no longer a Muslim. She left the religion all together, because she can not reject the fact of her belief of the Holy Trinity.

She can not let any muslim know what she has done, because this is very bad in the Islam religion that could mean her life. So, to make a long story short, will she be able to go back to the Catholic faith and still recieve the Sacraments? She was only with this husband for a week and that was 2 years ago and has no plans to return to his country nor bring him here. (he is not legal to come here anyway). She wants so much to put this behind her and move forward and finally be able to receive the Sacraments of our Faith.

What must she do? Hopefully someone knows here what she can do. Thanks for reading!

VM

 

[JimG]

I doubt that her marriage to the Muslim is considered valid, either by the Catholic Church or by the USA. So, I’m thinking all she has to do to return to the sacraments is to meet with a priest, go to confession, and start over. This being a personal situation, it is best answered personally by a priest.

 

[1ke]

She needs to consult a priest and a lawyer.

 

[Tom]

lil_flower:

There is a woman whom I know who I went to a catholic school with me and have been in touch since. Because she commited a very mortal sin, she was told she was excommunicated from the Catholic Church.

My first question would be who told her? Was it a Bishop? A Priest? A neighbor? You might do well to have her review excommunication, here’s a site she could use: newadvent.org/cathen/05678a.htm

lil_flower:

She was not told however, that by confession this could be lifted.

The major purpose of excommunication is not disciplinary it’s corrective. The Church desires the person to return to the faith, it isn’t a exclusion for punishment as much as a “wake up call”. Before delving any further, have her research what excommunication is and see her priest. The intention of the Church is for all wayward souls to return to the faith. Pray for her.

lil_flower:

So, to make a long story short, will she be able to go back to the Catholic faith and still recieve the Sacraments?

To make a long answer short yes she can return.

lil_flower:

She was only with this husband for a week and that was 2 years ago and has no plans to return to his country nor bring him here. (he is not legal to come here anyway). She wants so much to put this behind her and move forward and finally be able to receive the Sacraments of our Faith.

It is possible that she can seek an annulment. But have her visit a priest.
Also, welcome to the forum, invite her here, we will welcome her home.

 

[lil_flower_1]

Thank you all for a response, I told her that the only way to find out was to see the parish priest, of course she is embarrassed afterall, she has known this priest since she was a child. I understand why she afraid to go, but then she will not find peace nor a way back if she doesn’t swallow this fear and move forward as she likes.

Apparently, she lived in another city in which she asked a nun. The nun had told her that it was not easy to return to the church after excommunication. I felt either the nun misunderstood what my friend had asked, or the commucation all together was misunderstood. I can not image the church totally abandoning their children.

I told her to come on line and join this forum. I just sign up today, but I found it to be a very nice place. I think this will help her spiritually and stay focus on many areas of life that will bring her close to our Blessed Mother and Jesus our Merciful Savior. I also mentioned that you will all welcome her home with open arms .

Thank you once again for your replies, I am looking forward for more discussion in the future with all of you. May Our Immaculate Heart of Mary comfort us all in Her Arms, and Our Lord Jesus forever keep us close to Him, and that we are always in Gods Grace and do according to His Will. God Bless each of you!

VM

 

[Like]

Hey lil_flower.

Happy Birthday!!!
and welcome the forum! God bless you!

 

[lil_flower_1]

Awwwwwww I didn’t expect that at all but thanks so much Rich. Glad to be here, May the Queen of Peace surround you and yours always!

VM