Corpus Christi Blog

Many Catholics who have lived through the heartbreak of divorce find themselves confused and uncertain about where they stand with the Church, especially regarding the possibility of remarriage. Today, we’ll discuss the Church’s teaching on divorce and the process she has in place for Catholics to possibly remarry. First, we need to clarify the terms. The common term for the end of this process is “annulment;” however, that term implies that the Church can dissolve a valid marriage. The Church cannot end a valid marriage because no one has the power to separate what God has joined together. Rather, the Church examines whether a true marriage ever existed according to God’s design and Church law. If it is determined that the marriage never existed, a “declaration of nullity” is issued (CCC 1629). Let’s look at what the Church teaches about marriage, the main reasons a marriage can be declared null, and what a declaration means (and does not mean) for the parties and their children.

The Church’s devotional and liturgical traditions have long designated November as the “Month for Holy Souls,” with November 1st as All Saints’ Day and November 2nd as All Souls’ Day. The Church places these two feast days back-to-back to emphasize the three states of the Church within the communion of saints. The communion of saints includes all members of the Mystical Body of Christ, regardless of their state. Through the communion of saints, we find our hope in what awaits us after death. This doctrine, which we profess in the Apostles’ Creed, is rooted in Scripture. St. Paul describes the spiritual reality around us, saying, “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” (Heb 12:1), and Jesus explains that death is not the end when he says, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” (Jn 11:25-26). In a culture marked by social isolation and fear of pain, suffering, and death, these two feast days remind us that we are not alone.