Posted by Catholic News Agency <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Unity and fidelity in a Christian marriage can offer an example of true love to the world, Pope Francis said Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his annual speech to the members of the Roman Rota, the Vatican\u2019s highest court, the pope described \u201cunity and fidelity\u201d as fundamental cornerstones of Catholic theology and canonical matrimonial law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Praising the unsung heroism of many Catholic couples, the pope said that their \u201cgenerous unity\u201d and \u201cfaithful love\u201d reflects the image and likeness of God and participates \u201cin the fruitfulness of the Church itself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTruly, many Christian spouses are a silent homily for everyone,\u201d Pope Francis said in the Vatican\u2019s Apostolic Palace Jan. 29.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Roman Rota is one of the three courts of the Holy See, along with the Apostolic Penitentiary and the Apostolic Signatura. Among the Rota\u2019s primary responsibilities is considering appeals in marriage nullity, or annulment, cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe society in which we live is increasingly secularized, and does not favor the growth of the faith, with the consequence that the Catholic faithful find it hard to witness a lifestyle according to the Gospel, including the Sacrament of Marriage,\u201d the pope told the Rota\u2019s members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engaged couples need formation, particularly with examples of unity and fidelity in marriage, Pope Francis explained, pointing out that in all interpersonal and social relationships there is a general \u201clack of fidelity to the word given and to the commitments undertaken.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pope said that couples continue to need \u201cthe constant and pastoral care of the Church\u201d after marriage. He recommended the sacraments, \u201clectio divina,\u201d catechetical meetings, spiritual direction, family groups, and charitable service to strengthen a marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For marriage inspiration, Catholics can turn to the Scriptural account of Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple who were active members of the early Roman Christian community and faithful companions in the missionary work of St. Paul, Francis said, according to a Catholic News Agency report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pope Francis noted how the \u201clove and marital fidelity of the spouses Aquila and Priscilla were of great comfort for Paul and Apollo,\u201d and said that this \u201csynergy\u201d in collaboration among early married Christians and the Apostle Paul was \u201ca precious gift of the Spirit to the first Christian communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe therefore ask the Holy Spirit to give today to the Church priests who are able to appreciate and value the charisms of the spouses with a strong faith and apostolic spirit such as Aquila and Priscilla,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pope Francis then blessed the Roman Rota and invoked divine assistance for their work and judgements in the upcoming year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Posted by Catholic News Agency Unity and fidelity in a Christian marriage can offer an example of true love to the world, Pope Francis said Tuesday. In his annual speech to the members of the Roman Rota, the Vatican\u2019s highest court, the pope described \u201cunity and fidelity\u201d as fundamental cornerstones of Catholic theology and canonical […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":14808,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[153],"tags":[395,805,1107,1135],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n