When Is Marriage Null?: Guide to the Grounds of Matrimonial Nullity for Pastors, Counselors, and Lay Faithful Paperback – June 30, 2015

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Good book!

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This book, "When is Marriage Null" is an English translation of a 1998 Italian book of journal articles fleshing out the canonical grounds of marriage nullity. The author, Fr. Paolo Bianchi, sought to implement the particular law of the Italian Episcopal Conference in reference to educating the parochial "first responders" in facilitating the examination of non-superficial indications or legitimate grounds regarding the case of the potential plaintiff seeking a declaration of nullity prior to approaching a diocesan tribunal. The Italian Bishop's Conference in 1990 promulgated a decree in which article 56 of said decree wished to promote the study or cursory examination of the various grounds of marriage nullity by those who may not be proficiently versed in canon law (i.e., the parish pastors).The book is absolutely beautiful in the breakdown and explanation of the canonical jurisprudence. It is a literal goldmine of valuable information, not to mention the exquisite ability of the author to explain so eloquently the nature of invalidity. Wow! This is one of the best books on this topic that I have ever read and I have read a great many. "When is Marriage Null" is canonical caviar, an academic treatise that will most certainly stimulate the canonist who is interested in the field of marriage jurisprudence. Hands down, the finest work I have ever read.My two favorite areas of marriage law are canons 1097 (error) and 1095 (incapacity). Fr. Paolo dedicates over 75 pages (out of 315) to these two areas alone. He brilliantly explains the subjects so well (with real case examples) that I am struggling to see how this book can be useful for the non-canonist. I do, somewhat, believe that it can be an advantage for the non-canonist, but only up to a certain point. This book is the real deal and a gigantic treat for the lover of canon law. It is not like other books that you may stumble upon from time to time that seek to bring the Church's law into the mainstream arena, no, this book is very different. Pure gold! I love it!!!!!

This is a demanding book for someone who is not familiar with Canon Law. Each chapter addresses one of the grounds for annulment, and the examples provided at the end of each chapter make it easier to understand how the validity of a marriage is assessed in practice. Although it seems that most applications for nullity are approved these days in Western countries, some of the cases in the book involve marriages that were not declared null. In some cases the applicant spouse simply wanted to move on with their life and have their divorce rubber-stamped by the Church. Also try:  The Gift of Self: A Spiritual Companion for Separated and Divorced Faithful to the Sacrament of Marriage  and  Shattered Faith .

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It is a book that every tribunal should have. Very rich for judges and other ministers of the tribunal!!! Good to have it