With the passing of Pope Francis, many are reflecting on his legacy—but few know about one of his most profound pastoral contributions: a groundbreaking call to radically renew marriage preparation in the Church. In this video, I share how Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life, a document Pope Francis personally introduced, builds on the wisdom of St. John Paul II and honors the vocation to marriage like never before. Whether you're dating, discerning, or already married—you need to hear this.

Document: https://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/dam/laityfamilylife/amoris-laetitia/OrientamentiCatecumenatomatrimoniale/Catechumenal%20Pathways_ENG.pdf
Text from the document:
"The Church is Mother, and a mother does not play favorites among her children. She does not treat them with disparity; she gives each an equal dose of care, attention, and time. Devoting time to someone is a sign of love: if we do not devote time to a person, it is a sign that we do not love them. This truth often comes to my mind when I consider that the Church devotes large quantities of time - several years - to the preparation of candidates for the priesthood or religious life, but devotes very little time - only a few weeks - to those preparing for marriage.

Like priests and consecrated persons, married couples are also children of Mother Church, and such a vast divergence in treatment is unjust. Married couples constitute the vast majority of the faithful, and they are often pillars of support in par-ishes, volunteer groups, associations, and movements. They are truly "guardians of life," not only because they beget children, educate them, and accompany their growth, but also because they care for the elderly in their family, and devote themselves to the service of people with disabilities and frequently to people living in poverty with whom they come into contact.

Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life grow out of families, and it is families that make up the fabric of society and "mend its tears" with patience and daily sacrifices. Mother Church therefore bears a duty of justice to devote time and energy to the preparation of those whom the Lord calls to the great mission of family life.

Therefore, in order to give concrete form to this urgent need, ‘I recommended the implementation of a true catechumenate for future spouses including all the steps of the sacramental path: time of preparation for marriage, its celebration, and the years immediately thereafter’ “

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