Notable quotations
I will make it clear that not all discussion of doctrinal, moral or pastoral issues need to be settled by interventions of the magisterium. Unity of teaching and practice is certainly necessary in the Church, but does not preclude various ways of interpreting some aspects of that teaching or drawing certain consequences from it. (Chapter 1, #3)
For this reason, I thought it appropriate to prepare a post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation… as an aid to reflection, dialogue and pastoral practice, and as a help and encouragement to families in their daily commitments and challenges. (Chapter 1, #4)
Nor can we overlook the social degeneration brought about by sin… This leads to the desertification of the earth (cf. Gen 3:17-19) and those social and economic imbalances denounced by the prophets, beginning with Elijah (cf. 1 Kg 21) and culminating in Jesus’ own words against injustice (cf. Lk 12:13; 16:1-31) (Chapter 1, #26)
We also find it hard to make room for the consciences of the faithful, who very often respond as best they can to the Gospel amid their limitations, and are capable of carrying out their own discernment in complex situations. We have been called to form consciences, not replace them. (Chapter 2, #37)
Yet we have often been on the defensive, wasting pastoral energy on denouncing a decadent world without being proactive in proposing ways to find true happiness… clearly reflect the preaching and attitudes of Jesus, who set forth a demanding ideal yet never failed to show compassion and closeness to the frailty of individuals like the Samaritan woman or the woman caught in adultery. (Chapter 2, #38)
The lack of dignified or affordable housing often leads to the postponement of formal relationships. It should be kept in mind that “the family has the right to decent housing, fitting for family life and commensurate to the number of members, in a physical environment that provides the basic services for the life of the family and the community.” (Quoting Pontifical Council for the Family’s Charter of the Rights of Family, 1983) (Chapter 2, #44)
Families have the right “to be able to count on an adequate family policy on the part of public authorities in the juridical, economic, social and fiscal domains”… In many ways, the present-day economic situation is keeping people from participating in society. (Chapter 2, #44)
In these situations, the family can discover, together with the Christian community, new approaches, new ways of acting, a different way of understanding and identifying with others, by welcoming and caring for the mystery of the frailty of human life… Here I would stress that dedication and concern shown to migrants and to persons with special needs alike is a sign of the Spirit. Both situations are paradigmatic: they serve as a test of our commitment to show mercy in welcoming others and to help the vulnerable to be fully a part of our communities. (Chapter 2, #47)
Here I would also like to mention the situation of families living in dire poverty and great limitations. The problems faced by poor households are often all the more trying… In such difficult situations of need, the Church must be particularly concerned to offer understanding, comfort and acceptance. (Chapter 2, #49)
…But society and politics fail to see that families at risk “lose the ability to act to help their members.” (Quoting the Argentinian Bishops’ Conference, 2003) (Chapter 2, 51)
“The family is thus an agent of pastoral activity through its explicit proclamation of the Gospel and its legacy of varied forms of witness, namely solidarity with the poor, openness to a diversity of people, the protection of creation, moral and material solidarity with other families, including those most in need, commitment to the promotion of the common good and the transformation of unjust social structures, beginning in the territory in which the family lives, through the practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.” All this is an expression of our profound Christian belief in the love of the Father… (Quoting Relatio Synodi, 2014) (Chapter 8, #290)
“The Church must accompany with attention and care the weakest of her children, who show signs of a wounded and troubled love, by restoring in them hope and confidence…” (Quoting Relatio Synodi, 2014) (Chapter 8, #291)
The Lord’s presence dwells in real and concrete families, with all their daily troubles and struggles, joys and hopes. (Chapter 9, #315)
The spirituality of family love is made up of thousands of small but real gestures. (Chapter 9, #315)
So let us care for one another, guide and encourage one another, and experience this as a part of our family spirituality. (Chapter 9, #321)
All Family life is a “shepherding” in mercy. Each of us, by our love and care, leaves a mark on the life of others… seeking to bring out the best in them. (Chapter 9, #322)