(Palm Beach Gardens, FL) April 8, 2016 – The following is a statement from Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, regarding the release earlier today of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation titled ‘The Joy of Love”.
“Pope Francis’ Post – Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, ‘The Joy of Love,’ is a beautiful reflection on marriage and family life. The Exhortation is extremely important and necessary for our society today. It is a lengthy but very pastoral and readable document which must be, in the Pope’s words, carefully and slowly considered. It is a document of great pastoral insight which addresses the nature of marriage and family life as part of the divine plan and offers great support and accompaniment to those in difficult situations. It affirms the Church’s constant teaching in a manner that’s encouraging, supportive, understanding and welcoming. The document is very timely during this Year of Mercy and is much in keeping with our beloved Pope Francis’ personal, practical and pastoral approach well founded on the teaching and outreach of Saint Pope John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.”
Background of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
The post-synodal apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia is the culmination of a synodal process called for by Pope Francis in 2013. The Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops met in October 2014 on the theme “The pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.” In October 2015, the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops built on the first synod by examining the theme “The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world.” Bishops, clergy, religious and lay people at both synods, together with Pope Francis, addressed a wide array of topics that concern marriage and family life today.
For information on ministries are available in Palm Beach County, please see “Diocese of Palm Beach Highlights Ministries in Response to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation.”
http://onechristianvoice.com/2016/04/10/diocese-of-palm-beach-highlights-the-programs-of-its-marriage-family-and-healing-ministry-in-response-to-pope-francis-apostolic-exhortation/
By Dianne Laubert, Communications, Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach
