Folia Canonica 8. (2005)
STUDIES - Wojciech Kowal: Norms for Preparing the Process for the Dissolution of the Matrimonial Bon din Favour of the Faith
118 WOJCIECH KOWAL OMI line privilege, as the constant effort of the Church to clarify and refine the discipline regulating its response, through the pastoral remedy of the dissolution of the marital bond, to the spiritual needs of persons who suffered a marital break-down. The new Norms do not seem to introduce any essential novelty as regards the substantial principles underlying the present discipline on dissolution of a marriage in favour of the faith. However, as the exercise of the ministerial power of the pope regarding non-sacramental marriages takes into account the pastoral circumstances of times and places, certain modifications took place. In this regard, for many practitioners of canon law, the all important novelty is opening up the office of instructor of the case to lay members of the faithful. Moreover, it seems that the provisions for completing the process for the dissolution of the bond in favour of the faith are presented now in a simpler form which will help those entrusted with the instruction of cases at the diocesan level. The hope is that this important part of the Church’s legislation will be put into good use to assist injustice and truth those persons who turn to the Church in order to experience the healing and the mercy of Christ.
