Annulments

Overview: Declaration of Nullity

The granting of annulments is perhaps one of the most widely misunderstood issues for many Catholics. We encourage all who have suffered the experience of divorce to consider the following article by Rev. Hector M. Medina of the Ft. Worth Diocesan Tribunal. For more information on annulment procedures in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, please contact the Metropolitan Tribunal at 314.792.7400 or www.archstl.org/tribunal.

Annulment Article

Throughout the liturgical year we hear our baptismal commitment touching the heart of our faith. Do you reject Satan (evil)? And all its works? And all its seductions? Divorce is the reality that two human beings have experienced a situation that will affect them for the rest of their lives. The scar (hurt) is incalculable. Divorce has exposed the weakness of a relationship leaving the participants with doubts, fears, and anger. Even God is the recipient of many hurtful words and emotions.

The guilt and hurt of a divorce attack with such a vengeance, reputing the original relationship of the marriage: man, woman, and God. God, however, never revoked His love for his children. He did not withdraw His promise to love either individual in good or bad times. Our faith and spirituality have always taught that in the greatest absence there is the greatest presence. The Church continues to provide the means by which people participate in the reconciliation process.

In the annulment process, people are invited to name the evil through which they have passed and enter once again into the prayerful reality of a loving God. God has called us to peace (1 Cor 7:15c) At times, because of the canonical legalese, the process may seem ominous and threatening. At its core, however, the annulment process begins with a story. It is the story of a marriage that has experienced an incredible amount of pain for many different reasons. The annulment process reminds us that because of our baptism, God has never left us. In the naming of the pain and hurt that one has experienced, in acknowledging the evil through which one has walked, in recognizing the ultimate dependency on God for inner healing, the annulment process attempts to bring God’s order and peace out of the chaotic hell of divorce.

An annulment proclaims the rejection of evil, reminding the individual that God has called us to a greater faith. In the annulment process, the Church and the participants come to a broader understanding that marriage, like all sacraments, is a communal reality flowing from our baptism. It asks the participants and the local Church to address honestly issues of sin and grace, healing and reconciliation. The annulment process acknowledges that God can move into the deepest part of pain and be the salve. It is no longer the question: Do you reject evil? Now it is a deeper and more personal one: Do you believe in God? And in His Son who loves you? And in the Holy Spirit who caresses you? And in the Church who missions you?

Reprinted with permission