People are going to be groaning…

But back to the annulment topic we go. This, however, is purely out of curiosity, and in no way important by any means.

I’ve been quickly researching the topic of annulment so I may properly represent it in a work of fiction I’m working on. (There is no fear of this work ever being published for monetary gain, but I still like to have my facts straight!)

For those who are interested in helping me out, here’s the scenario:

A couple (both presumably baptised Catholics) have been married for nearly 40 years. The husband ‘C’, it seems, has always been somewhat insecure about himself, and is in awe of ‘important people’, and in spite of his insecurities, likes to believe he himself is high-class and well-bred.

The marriage of ‘C’ and ‘E’ presumably took place in a Catholic Church, and has resulted in two children.

At the height of his success, ‘C’ becomes infatuated with a younger woman, separates from his wife ‘E’ and eventually requests a divorce, which ‘E’ grudgingly grants. He then marries the younger woman. (This second ‘marriage’ is obviously not a Sacramental one.)

If either ‘C’ or ‘E’ wish to seek an annulment, what grounds can I possibly use? Is immaturity at the time of marriage a truly viable option?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Peace, ©radle†©atholic

-- cradlecatholic (kolsub@hotmail.com), August 13, 2002

Answers

You should read that (nonfiction!) book by Ted Kennedy's ex-wife -- that sounds almost exactly like what he did to her!

-- Christine L. (christinelehman@hotmail.com), August 13, 2002.

Thanks, Christine...but does that book mention anything about annulments?

Peace, ©radle†©atholic

-- cradlecatholic (kolsub@hotmail.com), August 16, 2002.

Hello, "Cradle Catholic."

I think that it would help you to read this page about "common grounds" in nullity cases. It was prepared by a tribunal judge. (Once you get there, you will also note many links, on the right side of the page, to reflections on related topics.)

Christine, you referred to a book by "Ted Kennedy's ex-wife." Are you really referring to Joan Kennedy? Or are perhaps thinking of the anti-Catholic rant-book, "Shattered Faith," by Sheila Rauch, former "wife" of Joseph Kennedy II? Miss Rauch is an Episcopalian who is very angry about the Decree of Nullity that her pro-death, CINO (Catholic-in-name-only) ex-partner received after their divorce. When I read excerpts of what she wrote, it became clear to me that she lacked the faith and knowledge that are necessary to understand the nullity process.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), August 17, 2002.

Sorry, Cradle Catholic. Let me try that link again:
Click here.

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), August 17, 2002.

Thanks very much, John, I do believe this will be helpful!

Peace, ©radle†©atholic

-- cradlecatholic (kolsub@hotmail.com), August 18, 2002.

John - you're right, it was "Shattered Faith"!

Sorry, I can't keep all these Kennedys and ex-Kennedys straight!

-- Christine L. (christinelehman@hotmail.com), August 19, 2002.