Will God ever forgive me for my divorce?

[buckeyes68]

I am a catholic who is getting a divorce from his wife of 24 years. We were both brought up in the catholic church and did discuss how we did not believe in divorce but there has been problems in our lives. I had issues with things that happened to me as a child and her family ha sbeen very controling throughpout our marriage. I could go on and on but I would like to under go marriage counciling with my wife, I am currently in therapy for help with my marriage break up, but my wife refuses. I have talked to our parish priest and begged her to go speak with him and she refused. I am at my wits end. The divorce is almost final, we only need to sign the papers, and I feel like I am making a big sin that god will never forgive me for. What can I do?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

The Church allows civil divorce for the equitable division of goods that have been held in common. Of course, the couple will still be married because the state does not have the power to dissolve a valid marriage. So getting a divorce will not be a sin. Attempting marriage after divorce is a sin–unless the Church has declared the marriage to have been null in the first place.

I encourage you to pray for your wife–as will I. I know that this is a heavy cross for you. The Lord is giving you this cross as an opportunity for you to offer your love to Him in response to His.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.