Marital Separation

When they marry, the couple willingly takes on several commitments:

• Accepting the children God sends and educating them.
• Remaining faithful to each other (no adultery, etc.).
• Seeking the material and spiritual good of the other and of the children. (Mutual help.)
• Living a common life by forming a new home.
• Striving to love each other in all circumstances (in health and in sickness...).

Marital separation is the suspension of conjugal rights and duties while the marriage bond remains. In particular, common life is suspended.

Marital separation is always a regrettable thing, which arises only in very exceptional situations, which reduce to four:

• Consummated adultery (which may be forgiven).
• Serious culpable physical danger.
• Serious culpable spiritual danger.
• Common life becomes extremely difficult.

If the difficulty disappears or ceases to be serious, it is fitting to restore common life as soon as possible.

Marital separation is a very extreme decision that causes great harm to children and spouses, and must not be proposed for trivial causes. For example, illnesses and misfortunes, quarrels, disputes, and disappointments are not sufficient reason for separation, but rather occasions to practice patience and rebuild love.

Yes, undoubtedly. It is always possible to seek one way or another to make life pleasant and joyful for others. This sowing of goodness is contagious and tends to become mutual and reciprocal. Yet even if love is not reciprocated, whoever strives to do good to others is far happier. See the section on love.

For further information, one may consult the articles on divorce and marriage. Below are several very brief considerations to aid in reflecting upon these important matters.