I have heard teaching on EWTN that a sacremental marriage is one in which the birth of children is understood to be a possibility. If one is not open to having children that no marriage existed and an anulment can be granted. What of couples beond the years of procreation,or phisically unable.Can those unions be anulled? Im a non-catholic as they called us in the 60s in catholic school that still studies and lsitens to Catholic sources and wishes to learn what I can.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 1998

Answers

I think it's a matter of deliberately excluding children from the marriage, not being physically unable to have children. I think the only grounds for annulment on physiological grounds are where the fellow is permanently and irretrievably impotent and so cannot consummate the marriage. Sterility of itself is not a diriment impediment to marriage (last time I checked).

But a couple who deliberately excluded children from their marriage and intended to all along would not be married, regardless of how they deliberately excluded them.

I'll double-check my Code of Canon Law tonight though in the (likely) event that I'm wrong...

-- Anonymous, June 25, 1998

Just because a couple is beyond the age of procreation, or becomes physically unable to have children is no reason for an annulment. You have given an oath to God that you would be faithful to each other "in sickness and in health"and that is exactly what you do. There is always adoption. On the other hand, in the 2nd case,if, from the be- ginning, one has kept a secret from the other of not being able to have children, that most definitely is grounds for annulment. grounds for annulment. if marriage is entered into

-- Anonymous, June 25, 1998

Only a Tribunal can answer that question for a given marriage. For only the reason you give probably not.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 1998