Divorce Is Out Of The Question In A Roman Catholic World!

In Roman Catholic marriages, before any partner gives up on the wedding vows and takes action towards living separately, s/he must re-consider her/his wedding vows. One must remember that, ANN says, “Weddings are sacred affairs for Catholics. It’s more than just binding two people in matrimony. It’s also about making a promise before God and before man” (Author Not Named, 03 June 2020, “Catholic Wedding Vows And Their Meanings,” Lay Cistercians, laycistercians.com).

Now then, a Catholic wedding is sacred before man and God!

The above image says. “Dapat bang bigyan ng second chance ang mga nag-cheat na sa relasyon?” #ABSCBNNewsapan. My translation: “Should a second chance be given to those who have cheated in their marital relations?”

“Not second chance!” I say. Third chance, fourth chance, fifth chance – yes! All the chances that are needed to repair any marital damage.

From “Catholic Wedding Vows And Their Meanings” (03 June 2020, Lay Cistercians, laycistercians.com):

“I ______ take you ______ to be my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

… Vows are central to every Catholic wedding rite. According to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the exchange of vows mainly signify consent. It means that they give themselves to and accept the gift of each other.

… Wedding vows also signify the couple’s promise to each other. And they (make) that commitment in front of their families, the community, and most importantly to God. This gives more credence to their promises and makes it more binding.

Our source also says:

Technically speaking, “to have and to hold” means having possession of something and holding on to it. Yes, it denotes ownership. But not in the way you are thinking.

You see, when you own something, you’ll take care of it and treasure it. You won’t let it come to any harm. That’s the kind of promise you make to your (would-be) spouse when you utter these words. You are making a commitment to take care of (her/him) and protect (her/him from harm) today and in the days to come.

… for better, for worse

Marriage is (the happy start but) not (necessarily) the happy ending that many people think it is. Rather, it’s the start of a roller-coaster journey that you take with the other person. Every marriage has its ups and downs. That’s why you are making a promise to be there for your spouse not just in better times but also during the difficult ones.

And what is true of Catholic is true of non-Catholic marriages. And the easiest way out is separation, preferably divorce!

I ______ take you ______ to be my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

That vow is good for forever. Divorce cannot erase it – divorce only means you are not keeping your marriage vow!@517