Marriage Validation?!

[EDKidd]

I hope this post is in the right place as mine have a habit of being moved.

I am currently a member of an Anglican church but am ‘moved’ to become a Catholic. I have received advice from members of this forum with regards to RCIA and I have an appointment with the Priest of my local Catholic Church in a couple of weeks.

In the meantime I have explained to my wife of my desire to become Catholic and after her initial shock (to put it mildly) she is slowly coming around to the idea.

My question is surrounding the subject of a marriage validation. Both my wife and I were Christened (Baptised) in Anglican churches; my wife being confirmed an Anglican too. We were married in the same Anglican church and I have read that in order for me to enter fully into the Catholic Church we would need to have our marriage ‘validated’.

I have read on Catholic Answers and various other sites about validation but so far have not been able to find much information. My problem is if my wife refuses to take part in a validation ceremony. Whilst she appears at ease with my eventual move towards Catholicism, she herself has stated that she would not be keen to involve herself at all.

Is there anyway through this potential situation? I would feel happier armed with some facts before addressing the situation with her.

Thanks & sorry if the post is in the wrong place!!

 

[puzzleannie]

I
My question is surrounding the subject of a marriage validation. Both my wife and I were Christened (Baptised) in Anglican churches; my wife being confirmed an Anglican too. We were married in the same Anglican church and I have read that in order for me to enter fully into the Catholic Church we would need to have our marriage ‘validated’.
!!

every marriage situation is unique. what you read about another person our couple does not necessarily apply to you. When you have your interview with the priest discuss every aspect of your marriage situation as well as of your faith life. it is important, and only he can guide you. There are too many variables to have a discussion here that will be helpful to you. In general, the Catholic Church assumes marriages contracted between non-Catholics, whether baptized or not to be valid until proven otherwise. In the case of two baptized persons, she also recognizes their marriage as sacramental. These assumptions are based on the individuals being otherwise free to marry and capable of giving valid consent at the time of the marriage. If they later enter the Catholic Church the marriage is and remains valid with no further action necessary. As I say, an individual specific answer is impossible here.
The right place for your question is with your priest.

During your entire RCIA process, please be guided by your priest and RCIA team, who are the ones who will come to know you and your needs. Don’t use general statements, or the experience of others, to anticipate difficulties where none exist.

 

[chevalier]

“Validation” must be some confusing name of a purely investigative procedure. It’s not the same or close to convalidation, which is a proper canon law term for “fixing” an invalid marriage. Your marriage is either valid or invalid and in the former case, as puzzleannie says, you don’t need to do anything to make it better. Problems only start if your marriage is invalid - then either it can be convalidated or it can’t (such impediments as can’t be dispensed can’t be fixed either) but the latter is a rare situation unless there was a previous valid and sacramental marriage.

 

[1ke]

I have read that in order for me to enter fully into the Catholic Church we would need to have our marriage ‘validated’.

Many people are confused by this, and inaccurately tell people who are considering converting that they need to have their marriage validates.

If you have no prior marriage issue (meaning neither you nor your wife is divorced and remarried) then you do not need to have your marriage “validated” because it’s already valid and Sacramental.

IF you or your wife does have a previous marriage, then that’s something all together different and you should discuss it with the priest when you meet with him.

 

[EDKidd]

Thanks for your advice.

I will of course talk to the Priest when we meet. In the meantime, perhaps I’m a bit too eager to get moving.

God bless & thank you again.

 

[Zelie_Louis]

I’m moving this to Liturgy & Sacraments, since many deacons often post there and might offer you their perspective.