Catholic man identifies as ’90 percent Catholic’ due to civil marriage and sacramental restrictions

Juan, a Mexican American man, identifies as “90 percent Catholic.” His faith journey reflects a complex interplay between personal conviction and institutional doctrine. As a baptized Catholic, Juan has been married civilly for 28 years, a union not recognized by the Church as sacramental. This has placed him in what the Church terms an “irregular situation,” limiting his access to the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Juan’s story unfolded during my ministry in Jalisco, Mexico, where I delivered the Eucharist to his homebound father. Our initial connection began over a video call, where we joined his family for a daily rosary. The experience revealed a deep spiritual commitment, even as Juan navigated the challenges of living outside the Church’s sacramental framework.

Following his father’s passing, Juan and his family traveled from the United States to Mexico for a wake. During this time, Juan shared cherished memories of his father, emphasizing the latter’s influence on his faith. It was during a subsequent visit that Juan revealed his self-identification as “90 percent Catholic.” When asked to explain, he described his situation with clarity and grace, acknowledging the Church’s teachings while expressing his own fidelity to his wife and faith.

Juan’s wife, María, faces additional challenges. She hopes to return to Mexico to celebrate their church wedding with her parents, a cultural expectation for many Mexican Americans. However, María’s undocumented status creates fear of being unable to return to the United States. This personal struggle underscores the broader tensions between legal status, cultural tradition, and religious practice.

Juan’s acceptance of these limitations, without resentment toward the Church, highlights a profound sense of fidelity. He continues to practice his faith actively, even as he remains outside the sacramental life of the Church. His story resonates with the themes of love, patience, and perseverance found in Micah 6:8, which calls for walking humbly with God and doing justice.

The recent Vatican meetings marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” offer a context for understanding Juan’s experience. These gatherings brought together bishops and Catholics worldwide to reflect on family life and the Church’s approach to marriage and sacraments. Juan’s situation, while personal, reflects broader conversations about the Church’s pastoral care for those in irregular situations.

His story invites reflection on the Church’s role in supporting individuals who navigate the intersection of faith, law, and culture. It also raises questions about how the Church can better accompany those who, like Juan, seek to live out their faith with integrity and love, even when their circumstances do not align with traditional sacramental norms.

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