May 12, 2005

 

Q. I went to a Latin Mass for years, but then began to question things about it. For example, the bishop in charge forbade us to attend any Novus Ordo Mass and said it would be better not to go to Mass at all than go there. He also gave annulments to couples who had been married and divorced several times. After watching EWTN for a while, I started relearning my faith and returned to the real Church. Now I feel like a real Catholic again, thank God. What I want to know is whether this bishop had the right to give annulments and whether they would be recognized by the real Catholic Church? – D.G., West Virginia

A. We assume that this bishop has separated himself from the Pope and is not in communion with the “real Church.” While his Masses would be valid if he is a validly ordained priest, they are illicit, i.e., contrary to Church law. Since decrees of nullity are granted by tribunals acting under the authority of the Church after much investigation of the circumstances surrounding a purported marriage, this bishop does not have the authority to grant annulments, and such annulments would definitely not be recognized by the Church now led by Pope Benedict XVI.

 

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