While uncertainty in the world may deter young couples from taking the next big step in their relationships, the vocational call to marriage is a risk worth taking, Pope Francis said.
Marriage "is a challenging journey, at times difficult, sometimes even confrontational, but
For the month of June, Pope Francis has made his prayer intention for young people “who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community” that they may “grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.” In the spirit of
While the Catholic Church cannot bless unions that are not sacramental marriages, the church will always welcome and accompany everyone, no matter their situation in life, said the prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.
"Nobody must ever be excluded
This year, World Marriage Day, observed annually on the second Sunday of February, will be celebrated Feb. 14, which also is the feast of St. Valentine and which since the eighth century has been a celebration of love and affection.
In the United
Michael O’Rourke, the husband to Maria and father of 10, offers four things he wishes he would have known about marriage. The first is commitment. He and his wife had promised to never say the “D” word. Divorce was not an option.
Msgr. Owen Campion writes about the depth and meaning of sacramental marriage, using the example of Blessed Karl and Empress Zita of Austria, who put Christ and the Church at the center of their relationship. Pope Francis’ recent remarks about civil unions
Elevation to the office of the papacy does not guarantee a man a greater than average dose of the cardinal virtue of prudence. Such a statement ought to be self-evident and therefore uncontroversial, but you wouldn’t know that from the uproar that
Pope Francis' expression of openness to the idea of laws recognizing civil unions, including for gay couples, to protect their rights does not change church teaching on marriage as being between one woman and one man, said several U.S. bishops and dioceses.
"His
Contributing editor Russell Shaw looks at The New York Times editorial board’s recommendations of how to help low-income kids, which includes creating government-funded savings accounts for newborns, providing universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds, spending more on educating poor children, and getting rid of
Leonard DeLorenzo takes a look at the Sixth Commandment, “Thou shall not commit adultery,” in the seventh piece of a series exploring the Ten Commandments. He says, “At the bare minimum, that means do not have intercourse with people who aren’t your