Today began the concluding 3 weeks of the Extraordinary Synod on the Family in Rome and I am looking forward to following along and hearing about the conversations that will be taking place. I understand that some of the Synod Fathers have agendas they are pushing, and we of course need to protect and preserve the teachings of Christ, but I am not one who believes that Pope Francis is poised to make fundamental changes to those teachings. I believe... Read more
I am always amazed at the holiday merchandising displays that pop up in late August and early September launching Halloween paraphernalia and the start of the holiday season. It takes me by surprise most years because my mind is always consumed with far more important details and even though the pool has closed, I’m still clinging to the last rays of the summer sun fading in the distance. But, for many who have been through a divorce, they are way... Read more
I’ll never forget that warm June day back in 1997 when I opened my mailbox and saw a letter from the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT sitting inside. It was the letter that carried the decision in the second instance of my annulment process and it alone would determine what my new direction in life would be. Would it announce that my marriage was indeed valid and I would be bound to my ex-spouse until one of us died? Or would... Read more
I have been privileged to be a part of the World Meeting Of Families in Philadelphia this week, and I can tell you there is a palpable excitement and joy in the air at the convention center because of the Holy Father’s impending visit. And I will be there on Saturday for the Festival of Families, with my own family and relatives to experience the great sense of community and belonging that comes from being with hundreds of thousands of... Read more
Now that we’ve had two weeks to begin unpacking the new changes to the annulment process I’ve reached a sort of bottom line: We just have to wait and see. Meaning, I believe the pope’s changes are an act of mercy toward divorced and civilly remarried Catholics in particular, but how you apply black and white policies to very grey circumstances remains to be seen and can only be fully realized as we go forward. Author Rose Sweet and I... Read more
When I was six-years-old, I ran away from home. I had a long list of reasons why I ran away that day. Part of it was because our family had just moved from the East Coast to California and I was lonely. I felt like a fish out of water. My father was traveling for work, my mother was immersed in the details of setting up our new home, and my older brother kept teasing me, saying he could see... Read more
On September 8, 2015, Pope Francis announced new procedural changes to the annulment process in the Church. These have been widely misreported and misconstrued by many news outlets. I was privileged to have an interview on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt that evening, and thankful they took great care in presenting the facts accurately, in addition to a little of my own personal story. I also thought it was neat I got to be on the same broadcast as... Read more
Almost since day one of his papacy, I’ve heard critics of Pope Francis grumble, accuse, and actually become hysterical about their speculations over what they believe his agenda is and what they think his motivations are. With each new news report, and especially with his announcement yesterday regarding a change to the annulment process, it becomes increasingly obvious that too many Catholics are completely missing the Pope’s big point, which is the need for us to be Christ-like and show mercy to... Read more
As I was rebuilding my life during my post divorce years, there were a lot of well-meaning people dispensing unsolicited advice and although I knew they were trying their best to help me feel better, most of their recommendations weren’t the best. They would say things like, “Live it up, now that you’re rid of the bum!” And one family therapist in a Catholic establishment told me to quit crying and “…go find some rich guy who will treat you... Read more
Who are the “million unheard souls?” Great question. Allow me to introduce myself and explain. My name is Lisa Duffy, conservative, cradle Catholic, formerly divorced and now remarried in the Church for over 15 years. I have three miracle children (whom I will tell you about in future posts) and suffice it to say that back in 1993 when my ex-spouse left our marriage, there was little-to-nothing available for divorced Catholics to find healing. My journey between 1993 and today has been marked... Read more
Lisa Duffy: A Million Unheard Souls
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