Catholic Replies
Q. I have a family member who married a divorced woman in the 1970s. They divorced after 25 years. Are they still married as far as the Church is concerned? If they wanted to get back together, what would they have to do? — D.L., via e-mail. A. If the woman were divorced when your family member married her in the seventies, then the Church would not recognize that union as a valid marriage since both parties were not free to marry. If they wanted to get back together, they would have to get the divorced person’s first marriage annulled and then go to Confession to get forgiveness for any sins committed in the interim. They should pursue the matter…Continue Reading