The former president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, after the two publications "The Marriage Crisis and the Eucharist" and "For Living Amoris Laetitia" (Ares Publishers), offers a new reflective contribution "for interpreting and actuating" the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation.
Here are some excerpts:
Amoris Laetitia sees authentic human and Christian love as the only force capable of saving marriage and the family. It must be placed at the center of the family.
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The couple's relationship is a permanent path marked by the beauty and joy of being loved and loving, but also by faults and sins, difficulties and suffering. It should be considered with realism and confidence, as shared progressive growth and development, realized through small steps, with practical exercises, patience and perseverance. "Love is a craft," just as the education of children is.
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The novelty of Amoris Laetitia—apart from the eighth chapter—seems to be especially the great attention paid to common human experience, existential, religious, and spiritual life, along with detailed analyzes and observations, many practical tips, as well as concrete suggestions for people and for pastoral care. The primarily pedagogical intent is suggested by the lively and engaging discursive language, addressed to everyone and easy for all to read and understand without excessive concern for theological and scientific precision. The document can be fruitfully used by lay people for their personal formation and by pastoral workers in catechesis. It constitutes, in itself, a good example of ecclesial accompaniment.
The paragraphs of the document:
1. Love as foundation of marriage and the family.
2. Consistent doctrinal development.
3. The moral doctrine.
4. Personal subjective responsibility.
5. Pastoral accompaniment.
