On Friday April 8, 2016, his holiness Pope Francis released “Amoris Laetitia” which translates into “The Joy of Love”. While the average person assumes a book by the Pope could only focus on a love for God, this particular document encourages the love between married couples with tips, advice and suggestions to keep the love alive. Whether you’re a die-hard Catholic, Pope fan or simply a reader looking for new materials, there is nothing more interesting than love advice from a celibate person. Here are a few details on what to expect as you jump in to the Joy of Love.
The goal of Laetitia is to promote healthier and long lasting marriages in the hopes of lowering the divorce rate among Catholics and followers of Christ around the world.
According to the Catholic Church, you cannot receive certain rites (such as communion) as a divorcee unless your divorce was annulled by the church council (in addition to the official court proceeding). The subject of divorce and the ideals of the Catholic Church have always been the subject of long internal debates without an official discussion until now.
This is the season for mercy. The year 2016 is considered the Jubilee Year of Mercy and his holiness wants everyone to show and receive mercy for the sake of God.
Believe it or not, the readings contain sex advice. The guardian of Rome encourages the reader to not be selfish in bed with references to pleasure being mutual.
The pontiff urges everyone to treat your partner as a whole person. Often times, we love a piece of a person and resent or judge certain characteristics with scrutiny and hatred. Every couple is encouraged to love the good and the bad with acceptance.
We are reminded, “Love takes work”. It’s a known fact that every relationship (no matter how perfect it may appear) takes two people who are willing to give the time, effort and attention.
“The Joy” wants the readers to keep reading. Boredom or feelings of entrapment can actually cause stress and distance. Our Jesuit Pope believes that if both partners read books on a regular basis, that they will find topics for conversation in addition to enrichment.
In conclusion, it’s 224 pages of Love and advice from one of the most trusted people in the world. After all, if you can’t trust the Pope, who can you trust.
Written By; Latoya Hoyte
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