It is possible that excellent marriage preparation could "work against" a couple seeking a declaration of nullity in some circumstances. But most of the time, it probably would not.| Catholic Review
The goal of the church's nullity process is to determine whether there was some problem or issue at the time of the wedding that was serious enough and of such a nature so as to prevent a true marriage from ever being contracted in the first place.| Catholic Review
When in doubt, bring it up in confession anyway. If a person does bear the guilt of a sin committed in their pre-Catholic life, the priest will be happy to grant absolution.| Catholic Review
A church building is a sacred space that is open to the public by its very nature. The faithful fundamentally have a right to join in the prayer conducted in a church building since it is, in a sense, their spiritual home.| Catholic Review
Besides the rite of major exorcism, the church also has several "minor exorcisms" in her treasury of prayers. A minor exorcism is a prayer for protection against and deliverance from evil spirits which can be prayed by any priest in scenarios other than demonic possession.| Catholic Review
A person who willingly abandons their spouse for sinful reasons is probably not a Catholic who takes the faith seriously enough to be swayed by their pastor's admonishments or to be concerned about the sacramental consequences of their actions.| Catholic Review
Why would God allow Satan to torture and torment Job when he knew Job was a wonderful man and if God is, indeed, omniscient? (New Jersey)| Catholic Review
While the act of directly causing an abortion is a canonical crime that is punished with an automatic excommunication, (see Canon 1397, 2) this only applies in scenarios where a particular individual actually brought about an abortion personally -- and not in situations where a person promoted abortion in a more abstract way.| Catholic Review
The church does have material needs that arise in the course of her spiritual mission. And so it is not simony to accept or request donations on the occasion of the celebration of the sacraments, as long as it is understood that such a donation is truly a free-will offering and not a condition for the sacrament's administration.| Catholic Review
We know that God is infinitely loving and merciful, so I believe that Jesus would have readily and joyfully forgiven Judas if he had only turned back to God and sought reconciliation.| Catholic Review
Sometimes people have the mistaken idea that "annulments" are some kind of Catholic-approved divorce, but this is not at all accurate.| Catholic Review
People like us who come to visit the properties have the same quiet demeanor one finds in a cemetery. We walk among ghosts.| Catholic Review
As students of all ages return to the classroom, educators are faced with all the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology that can help or hinder their students' learning.| Catholic Review
Q: In a recent article, you quoted the Code of Canon Law for what constitutes a valid non sacramental marriage. I’m not sure if you know this, but the Jewish marriage document — the ketubah — is essentially a prenuptial agreement that outlines the protections the spouses are to receive should either one initiate divorce proceedings. This means there is nothing essentially lifelong about the agreement that two Jews enter into when they get married. Does that mean that Jews are not validl...| catholicreview.org
Glancing out my window on a dusky evening, I’m startled to see a huge bird perching on my neighbor’s garage, just a few yards away.| catholicreview.org
“I swear there ain’t no heaven but I pray there ain’t no hell.” — Laura Nyro, “And When I Die.”| catholicreview.org
You know about “mom sayings,” right? Those little nuggets that moms, and dads too, must learn in some secret school because they’re so prevalent. Sayings like, “because I said so,” and “you’ll understand when you have kids of your own.”| catholicreview.org
Over the course of my lifetime, the Catholic Church has had six popes — Saint Paul VI, John Paul I, Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis, and now Pope Leo XIV.| catholicreview.org
