"The question-and-answer format provides an overview of the marriage law of the [Catholic] church and its practical implications and makes difficult concepts understandable to the nonexpert."--Cover

Many marriages are “ended” by separation or divorce, but for the baptized Christian they remain valid marriages forever. There are, however, cases in which a Christian marriage can be recognized as null, i.e. it never existed. This book, written by a specialist with a gift for clarity on a complicated, sensitive issue, is a guide for a first approach to the problems related to the conditions for eventually declaring the nullity of a canonical Christian marriage. This work is an indispensable aid for the pastors of souls, for Catholic counselors, and can be very useful also for anyone who has serious questions about the validity of his own marriage. The primary purpose of this work is to provide clear, well-founded information in sufficient quantity to parish priests and to all who will act as counselors in these matters, either in formally organized parochial counseling services, or in other possible forms of collaboration with the parish priest, or else in the ecclesiastical tribunals themselves as a step previous to the possible introduction of the case. Among the areas he covers are: Violation of the freedom of consent; Error about a person; Exclusion of offspring; Exclusion of fidelity; Incapacity to consent; Incapacity to assume the essential obligations of marriage; Conditional consent.

The church's process for declaring a marriage null is a mystery to most people. While a declaration of nullity is a matter of public record, the facts of each case are confidential, leading to misunderstanding, misinformation, and pastoral problems.This video demystifies the concepts and the procedures surrounding annulments. In clear and accessible style it answers questions such as:--What does the church teach about marriage?--How is the church's court system structured and how does it work?--What's the difference between annulment and divorce?--Why can't Catholics divorce and remarry?--Do declarations of nullity make children illegitimate?--How does one get a declaration of nullity?This easy-to-understand, accessible video provides an overview of the marriage law of the church and its practical implications and makes difficult concepts understandable to the nonexpert.

"If you have been away from the Church for a long time, please have the courage to take the next step.... If for some reason you cannot obtain an annulment through no fault of your own, then learn more about the internal forum solution. It may be a viable option in your situation." Book jacket.

Catholics considering annulment often find themselves with more questions than answers, uncertain how to proceed. Aren't annulments just Catholic divorce? Do I need to hire a lawyer? How much does the process cost?

“All of us are called to keep striving towards something greater than ourselves and our families, and every family must feel this constant impulse. Let us make this journey as families, let us keep walking together.” Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia In his groundbreaking work on modern family life, Amoris Laetitia: On Love in the Family, Pope Francis continues to guide and lead the Church, calling us to be a sign of mercy and encouragement for families of all shapes and sizes. The Our Sunday Visitor edition includes exclusive reflection and discussion questions, to help Catholics grow in our understanding of this call, and act upon it. In Amoris Laetitia: On Love in the Family the Holy Father expands on the topics and considerations of the two Synods on the family, and adds his own considerations to help us provide pastoral guidance to support and strengthen today’s families. On Love in the Family guides us through: Scripture – what we can learn from Biblical families and relationships with God and each other Reality – the experiences and challenges we face in today’s world Tradition – essential aspects of Church teaching on marriage and families Love – what it means for all our relationships Ministry – Pope Francis offers pastoral perspectives for helping build strong families Spirituality – the expression of the Gospel message in our relationships

For Catholics, marriage isnt just an institution: Its a sacrament.