Introduction to Amoris Laetitia

INTRODUCTION TO AMORIS LAETITIA, THE JOY OF LOVE
WHAT IS AMORIS LAETITIA?
Amoris Laetitia, “On Love in the Family,” is the
recent apostolic exhortation written by Pope
Francis on love, marriage, and family life. In this
letter, the Holy Father is drawing on the Synods of
Bishops on the Family to present an “examination
of the situation of families in today’s world, and thus
for a broader vision and a renewed awareness of
the importance of marriage and the family” (AL, 2).
WHAT IS AN APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION?
The Joy of Love experienced by
families is also the joy of the Church.
As the Synod Fathers noted, for all the
many signs of crisis in the institution
of marriage, “the desire to marry
and form a family remains vibrant,
especially among young people, and
this is an inspiration to the Church”. As
a response to that desire, “the Christian
proclamation on the family is good
news indeed” (AL, 1).
An apostolic exhortation is a letter to the Church
which is a part of the Pope’s teaching office. Amoris
Laetitia is a post-synodal apostolic exhortation
because it follows the Synods on the Family, taking
up the themes of the Synods and deepening
them further. Pope Francis writes: “I thought it appropriate to prepare a post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation
to gather the contributions of the two recent Synods on the family, while adding other considerations as an
aid to reflection, dialogue and pastoral practice, and as a help and encouragement to families in their daily
commitments and challenges.”
“This Exhortation is especially timely in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. First, because
it represents an invitation to Christian families to value the gifts of marriage and
the family, and to persevere in a love strengthened by the virtues of generosity,
commitment, fidelity and patience. Second, because it seeks to encourage
everyone to be a sign of mercy and closeness wherever family life remains
imperfect or lacks peace and joy” (AL, 5).
WHAT WERE THE SYNODS ON THE FAMILY?
The Synod of Bishops is an assembly of bishops from around the world who assist the Holy Father by providing
counsel on important questions facing the Church. In 2013, Pope Francis called for two gatherings of
the Synod, called “General Assemblies”, to discuss topics related to the family and evangelization. The
Extraordinary (because it occurred outside the ordinary cycle of synods) General Assembly of the Synod of
Bishops on the Family took place in October 2014. The Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on
the family followed a year later in October 2015, shortly after Pope Francis’ visit to Washington, New York, and
Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families.
WHAT ARE THE KEY THEMES OF AMORIS LAETITIA?
Each of these themes will be explored more deeply through
additional fliers in the coming weeks. You can also find all of
this information online at www.visiblesign.org.
• LOVE IN MARRIAGE
Understanding married love through Scripture, particularly 1 Corinthians 13. (Two parts)
• GOD’S PLAN FOR LOVE
“Building sound and fruitful homes in accordance with God’s plan.” (AL, 6)
• RAISING CHILDREN OF FAITH
Passing on the faith and preparing children for their own vocation to marriage.
• THE FAMILY OF FAMILIES
How the parish is the family of families and calls every Christian to look to the Holy Family as the icon of marriage and family life.
• TEN INSIGHTS FROM THE JOY OF LOVE
These ten insights are keys to understanding some of the most important pastoral recommendations in order to inspire further reading and discussion.
To read more visit VisibleSign.org.
PRAYER TO THE
HOLY FAMILY
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendour of true love;
to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again experience
violence, rejection and division;
may all who have been
hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability
of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Graciously hear our prayer.
Amen.