Sisterly Conversation

Funny how a conversation on summer vacation quickly moves into a religious discussion about the Catholic belief about not re-marrying after a divorce.

My three sisters and I spent the weekend at a cottage near Lakefield, ON as we have tried to do each year for the last 4 (except last year due to one of us having surgery). An interesting mix of life stages, I am the youngest at 31 and the eldest is 51. Three married, one divorced - Two Mennonite faith, one similar from a unique church and one Catholic. Two with children, Two without. Quite a collection of opinions all raised under the same roof.

I am quite disillusioned about the whole Catholic idea about an annulled marriage. The way my sister explained it to me was a viable option to anyone who felt they were wed under false assumptions (usually in cases where the other person is still married to someone else, where abuse occurs, or the inablity to have children or a disease is not disclosed). But I would think you could really extend that to any union that is dissolving - if you can't get along you are not marrying who you thought you were! She also seemed to suggest that sometimes it comes down to the parish priest as to whether he will annul a union or whether is has to be a divorce. Seems to grey to me, especially the weight that is placed on it being a prerequisite to being married under Catholic eyes at a future time.

It's always fun to debate such topics with such a regimented advocate of an archaic tradition.

We did have dinner at a great restaurant if you are ever up Peterborough way - Ward Street Grill in Bridgenorth (by the LCBO)- in the summer they have a patio.