Theology of Marriage in the Exhortations "Familiaris Consortio" and "Amoris Laetitia". Pastoral Aspects
Abstract
The article addresses the problem of the relationship between the theology of marriage in the exhortations Familiaris Consortio and Amoris Laetitia from the pastoral point of view, using primarily the method of comparative analysis of source texts. The first part of the article presents a reflection on the continuity and development of teaching in the Church. The continuity of this development resembles the growth of a living organism, which through various stages reaches ever more mature forms. In a similar way, the exhortation Amoris Laetitia, starting from the teaching contained in the Familiaris Consortio, develops them in accordance with the specific new approach of Pope Francis presented in the exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. The second part of the article shows that Amoris laetitia is part of the tradition of the Church's teaching on marriage and the family, resonating with such documents as: the conciliar constitution Gaudium et Spes, the encyclical letter Humanae Vitae of Paul VI, a letter to the families Gratissimam Sane of John Paul II, and above all the exhortation Familiaris Consortio. Both documents analyzed postulate concentration on specific life realities, and also present the common ideal of Christian marriage, its sacramentality and openness to life. The third part of the article shows how Amoris Laetitia is a development of the teaching of Familiaris Consortio, focusing in particular on the approach to the so-called "irregular" situations. The doctrine’s development is presented in a broader context, showing the teaching of Francis as the subsequent stage on the path started by his predecessors, taking into account the “law of gradualness”, personal and pastoral discernment and the integration of the faithful in imperfect situations. The analysis shows that Familiaris Consortio and Amoris Laetitia are two important steps on the path of the post-conciliar Church set out by the constitution Gaudium et Spes, and continuity and development of teaching are clearly visible between the documents.
Keywords:
theology of marriage, Familairis Consortio, Amoris Laetitia, continuity of teaching, pastoral care of families, law of gradualness, accompaniment in irregular situationsReferences
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Maurizio Pietro Faggioni OFM; profesor zwyczajny bioetyki na Akademii Alfonsjańskiej w Rzymie; należy do Toskańskiej Prowincji Franciszkanów; ukończył medycynę i chirurgię na Uniwersytecie w Pizie oraz specjalizację z endokrynologii na Uniwersytecie we Florencji; konsultor Kongregacji Nauki Wiary i Kongregacji Spraw Kanonizacyjnych oraz członek korespondent Papieskiej Akademii Pro Vita.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5381-5102License
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