"A new dynamism in family pastoral work"

Statement made to Zenit news agency by Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz, Auxiliary Vicar of Opus Dei, regarding the Apostolic Exhortation “Amoris Laetitia.”

“The Exhortation Amoris Laetitia encourages a new dynamism in pastoral work with the family, and reminds us of the central role played by families in the new evangelization and in strengthening society.

“Pope Francis makes clear that family pastoral work entails many facets and challenges, as the length of the text itself shows. Among these, after a first rapid reading of the document, it seems to me that a central concern is viewing formation not only as imparting knowledge but as accompanying persons closely, in order to help them embody the Gospel in their lives and not simply know it.

Amoris Laetitia incorporates the Pope’s encouraging catechesis on the daily virtues of family life, conjugal charity, intra-familiar relationships, educating children, the difficulties families confront in the twenty-first century, the joy of family life and many other aspects that seek to reflect the Gospel’s teachings and values.

“God’s calling to holiness continues being universal. Each of us, each family, with our weaknesses and with the help of grace, is called to a high goal. And we are called to accompany the others on this path. The Pope invites us to continue meditating and reflecting on some practical consequences of following the Gospel’s teachings, especially in relation to so-called irregular situations, which are very delicate and require careful discernment.”