In Praise of Monogamy
Farrell: a valuable tool to foster mutual respect
between men and women
and prevent serious violence
or domination
See below the statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, on the Doctrinal Note Una Caro. In Praise of Monogamy.
Doctrinal Note on the value of marriage as an
exclusive union and mutual belonging,
***
The Doctrinal Note Una Caro. In Praise of
Monogamy. Doctrinal
Note on the value of marriage as an exclusive union and mutual
belonging is
a valuable resource for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. It will allow
us to provide bishops, ecclesial movements, associations of the faithful, and
those involved in youth and family pastoral ministry, with important guidelines
for a theological and pastoral reflection on the fullness of human love.
Investing in formation programmes to help people
appreciate the richness of an exclusive relationship – one that takes a
lifetime to grow into its fullness
This fullness is realized in the unity and exclusivity
of marriage between a man and a woman, and newlyweds must be accompanied in
understanding what it means to live this “vocation for two” in the world and in
the Church.
Today, it is not easy to convey this message within a
cultural context marked by what Pope Francis referred to as the “culture of
temporariness”, which diminishes the “forever” of marriage. Many struggle to
understand not only the meaning of the sacrament, but of any indissoluble bond.
This is why, from a pastoral perspective, it is
essential to invest in formation programmes that help people grasp the richness
of an exclusive relationship –one that takes a lifetime to grow into its
fullness.
Explore in every cultural and geographic setting the
idea of reciprocal belonging
One aspect of the document that I find particularly
meaningful, and that will need to be explored in every cultural and geographic
setting, is the idea of reciprocal belonging between spouses.
In real life, this can never and must never turn into one person possessing the
other. It is a belonging-that-is-not-belonging, a unity that is
always built on respect for two distinct dignities and two distinct freedoms –
without erasing difference or individuality.
Prevent serious forms of violence and domination
This topic has pastoral implications that call us to
foster mutual respect between men and women, so as to prevent serious forms of
violence and domination – issues that today require a more determined
pedagogical response, including from the Church.
Helping spouses become a source of life within their
communities
We must urgently promote a healthy marriage unity, one
that can truly be a path of growth and existential fulfilment for both spouses.
They must be helped to understand they should not withdraw into their mutual
love alone. Rather, they should open up so their relationship can become
life-giving – not only within the family, but also within the community they
live in, where they can become instruments of welcome and care for the most
vulnerable, making their love even more fruitful.
Card. Kevin Farrell,
Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
UNA
CARO. IN PRAISE OF MONOGAMY [IT]
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