Annulments Procurator Tells the Story Behind the Data

Why are 90% of annulments granted by the Catholic Church? Can you trust the Tribunal’s decision? Why did annulment numbers increase?
On this episode, we interviewed Fr. Duesterhaus. He is a procurator/advocate and has presented many formal cases over the years. He gives an insider’s look at the annulment process. He also offers insight to the common reasons couples seek annulments.
Fr. Michael R. Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He is the Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish, Front Royal, Virginia.
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Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:29 Code of Canon Law
00:05:22 Cake Analogy
00:09:11 Marriage Definition
00:10:04 Catholic Church Jurisdiction
00:13:48 Why Did Annulment Numbers Rise?
00:15:27 Common Reasons for Annulments
00:18:37 Potential Issues
00:20:36 Why 90% of Annulments are Granted
00:25:00 Pastoral Activity
00:26:04 Can We Trust the Decision?
00:32:43 Contraception?
00:34:05 Porn & Netflix
00:36:41 Bad Marriage Prep
00:40:12 Fr. Duesterhaus' Pre-Cana Program
00:43:27 No Catholic Culture
00:54:19 Convalidation
00:58:29 Why Some Protestants Aren't Christians
01:03:26 Men Need to be Men
01:04:52 Privilege of Faith Case
Living the Culture of Life

[@adamcase9132]

Thank you so much both of you, but especially you Fr. ! Thank you for your priesthood. As I'm certain it isn't what you had anticipated but you're serving our Lord where so many aren't. You understand. God bless.

[@HumanLifeInternational]

Thank you for listening! God bless.

[@ElderLyons-zk1rw]

Thank you, Father, for breaking down all the nuances I was unaware of. (This old altar boy from South Philly obviously needs to pick up a copy of the Baltimore catechism.) My concern is how would an annulment impact our child born of the marriage? Thanks, and Semper Fi!! (Semper Paratus for me.)

[@michaelduesterhaus1345]

Sir, This is a frequent issue that I failed to mention during the interview. The declaring a marriage null has only one effect on the children: the loss of "landed titles." In short, you lose the inheritance to become the king. In my experience, not a very big issue. Thanks for asking.

[@catherineanderson5569]

This is the saddest commentary i have heard on annulments. There are only few extreme conditions that are grounds for annulment. They would fit on a single sheet of paper - no need for a book.
The analogy of taking the frosting on a wooden cake is an example of fraud.
I did not hear any discussion regarding reinforcing the permanence and sanctity of marriage. This priest is so cavalier with regard to the sanctity of marriage. I implore him to study the great saints that gave their lives because they were unwilling to diminish the sanctity of marriage.
I pray for this priest and all priests especially those on tribunals because they will have to stand in judgement for the marriages under their pastoral direction.
I take exception to the claim that the petitioner and respondent are released if they are granted an invalid annulment. We each have the responsibility to study the faith to properly form our conscience and to live according to Christs teachings. If i were to sincerely believe my marriage valid but a tribunal declared it null, i must live celibately until death breaks the bond.

[@Oliveoil91661]

The saddest thing about all of this, is listening to Our Lady talking about souls falling into hell like snowflakes, and saying many marriages are not good and are not of God. There just doesn't seem to be enough lay persons and prelates actively trying to save the souls. Every soul that falls into hell because they got a phony annulment and lived a life of adultery, Is followed into hell by a Canon lawyer, or another falsely annulled spouse, or a bishop who gave sinful advice, or other sinful people encouraging the divorce. Contrary to popular belief, original spouses are in fact returning to each other, knowing their annulment is phony.