Dear Ms. Therese Z:

The Matrimonial Tribunal of the Diocese of Joliet has completed its investigation into the alleged nullity of your marriage to xxxx. After careful evaluation of the evidence presented in the light of the pertinent laws of our Church, the Tribunal has reached an affirmative decision in the First Instance; that is, the Joliet Tribunal has declared the marriage null.

However, before this decision goes into effect, it must be reviewed by a panel of judges in the Court of Appeal in Chicago. If for any reason you disagree with this decision, you have the right to add your own personal appeal of the First Instance decision. If you wish to do so, please notify.....

......You also have the right to appeal the First Instance decision directly to the Roman Rota....

The ellipsed parts are very legal and dry. I did like the dramatic sound of contacting the Roman Rota (I picture a dramatic airplane trip with matching luggage with one of those round suitcases, passing a sympathetic Swiss Guard (at this point in the fantasy I look a lot like Audrey Hepburn), tearfully beseeching a handsome silver-haired Cardinal...).

The letter is signed "Sincerely in Christ." Underneath the letter was another letter about the fee. The minimum amount is mentioned, along with the average costs, and the expected and discreet demurrers about what I should do if I cannot afford the fees. I can afford it, so I plan to pay the average cost, which, along with the psychologist's fee and the original application fee, will total about $925. Phew.

I don't have any feeling about this right now, for some reason. I tried to work up a little emotion after I opened the letter on Saturday, but nothing happened. I did offer my Mass intention on Sunday for my ex. And I'm putting a little extra verve on my prayer about "if You should will it, that I might meet and marry a Godly man."