Hi, Patty,
Good question.
My understanding is that the traditional
vows, as we know them today, came into
existence in the 16th century but
what couples promised in marriage
long predated that. The until
death do us part that you mention
is an essential component of marriage
that must be consented to for it
to be a valid marriage. The Church
calls it indissolubility, which means
marriage, as God has made it, can not
be broken other than by death.
The marital bond remains as long
as both parties are alive — even
if they divorce and remarry outside
the Church. We know that Moses (in
the Old Testament) allowed divorce
(and remarriage) because of the hardness
of their hearts, but Christ came
to re-establish its proper indissolubility
and offer the grace to live it. Take
a look at Matthew 5 and Matthew 19 when you
get a chance.
Annulment, as a possibility, is
a separate question.
Peace,
Paul
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