Pope Francis has called on young people to thoroughly prepare for marriage and commit to lifelong love. He emphasized the importance of premarital preparation and spiritual growth, highlighting the challenges faced by modern marriages. The Pope described traditional wedding vows as an 'extraordinary promise' and stressed the need for commitment. He urged the Church to help couples build a foundation for their relationships based on God's faithful love.
14 days ago
In a message published after his death, Pope Francis urged young people to adequately prepare for marriage, emphasizing a commitment to lifelong love 1 3. The message serves as a foreword to the book "Love Forever" by the YOUCAT Foundation 1 3.
Pope Francis advocated for comprehensive marriage preparation, suggesting a catechumenate-style program that could last for years 1. He stressed the importance of couples participating in marriage preparation courses before receiving the sacrament 1 3. The Pope encouraged young people to "believe in love, believe in God, and believe that you are capable of taking on the adventure" of lifelong matrimony 1 3.
Acknowledging the failures of many modern marriages, Pope Francis questioned the idea of love "until further notice," stating that true love involves a desire for acceptance without reservations 1. He expressed concern that many only see the "beautiful ritual" of marriage without understanding the commitment, leading to separation, broken faith, and wounded children 1 3.
The Pope described the traditional wedding vows of "until death do us part" as "an extraordinary promise" 1 3. He argued that those who commit to marriage "lose nothing but gain everything: life at its fullest" 1.
Pope Francis pointed to YOUCAT's marriage formation material as a valuable resource, encouraging couples to utilize it as a guide 1 3. He compared marriage to the tango, a dance that requires learning and practice, emphasizing that marriage and family require similar dedication 1. He concluded by quoting his earlier apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, stating that the "dancing -- step by step, a dance toward hope with eyes full of wonder -- must not stop" 1 3.
Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of thorough marriage preparation for young people, highlighting the need for a deep understanding of the sacrament and a commitment to lifelong growth together. He also acknowledges the challenges modern families face and stresses the Church's role in supporting couples through these difficulties .
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
In summary, Pope Francis urges young people to take marriage preparation seriously, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in faith, realistic expectations, and a commitment to lifelong growth together. He also stresses the Church's role in supporting couples through the challenges of married life and encouraging fidelity.