MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: Divorced Woman Wants New Companion

Answer / Resources:

[click link(s) below, as applicable]

I am sorry to hear that your are feeling lonely. Regarding finding a "new companion", I assume you were not validly married to begin with, and that you have an annulment? [Note: If you have questions about annulments, you might find the article here helpful.]

If not, finding a "new companion" would not be permissible if you were validly married (assuming your spouse was still alive). Once a person is validly married, they stay married as long as both of the spouses are alive (regardless of what some civil "divorce" paper may say). To take up with someone else would be adultery – and certainly no saint would assist in that regard (or they wouldn't be a saint!). The Lord Jesus himself said such a situation is unlawful...

"Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 16:18) [also see Mt. 5:31-32 & Mk. 10:2-12]

Certainly there could be no adultery if divorce truly ended a marriage. Actually, it is impossible to dissolve a valid marriage while both spouses are living (regardless of what the state chooses to believe). As expressed in Church law...

"Can. 1118 A ratified and consummated valid marriage can be dissolved by no human power and for no cause, outside of death." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1141 A marriage that is ratum et consummatum can be dissolved by no human power and by no cause, except death." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

You may also find the following helpful... (click links to view)

* Marriage Information

* Marriage Reflections (quotes from popes, saints)

I have included the above information because many people today are confused. They see divorce all around them & seem unaware of Christ's teaching regarding holy matrimony and its indissolubility. Our secular culture reinforces the problem – but this does not change the fact that divorce/"remarriage" is unlawful according to God. It is also dangerous to one's own eternal well-being (see 1 Cor. 6:9-10). You may be well aware of the above, but since I am not sure, I felt compelled to include this information.

As for finding a patron saint, please visit here and select the category "Persons / Families". You can find a number of saints for difficult marriages, married women, unhappily married women, single women, etc. Since I don't know your situation (e.g. if you were validly married or not), it would be difficult for me to suggest a particular saint. This page, however, is very easy to use and should provide you with a number of relevant patrons. As I indicated above, however, a patron saint would not assist you in finding a "new companion" if you were validly married (assuming your husband is still alive) because that would be assisting in adultery. However, a saint could certainly assist you in other ways (e.g. living chastely, reconciling, handling loneliness, etc.).

Lastly, you may want to seek further guidance from a good priest regarding the particulars of your situation. They have "heard everything" and may have wise counsel that would benefit you.

Reminder: We make no guarantee whatsoever regarding any item herein. Items herein may be the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect our views. All applicable items may be subject to change at any time without notice. Utilize any link(s) appearing on this page at your own risk. For more terms information, see "Important Notice" below.