YEAR OF AMORIS Laetitia Family, to spread the message of the 2016 apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, by sharing it more widely to help people “experience the gospel of the family as a joy that fills hearts and lives (Amoris Laetitia, 200).” For a family that discovers and experiences having a gift and being a gift for the Church and society can be a light in the darkness of the world.
The apostolic exhortation emerged from the discussions of two Synods of Bishops held in 2014 and 2015, in addition to some matters for consideration put forward by Pope Francis himself. While the document takes into account Church tradition and teaching, it also integrates spiritual wisdom, to be relevant to the situation of people today.
Signed by Pope Francis on 19 March 2016, Amoris Laetitia marks its fifth anniversary and represents the collective wisdom of the Church. The Year of Amoris Laetitia Family will conclude in June 2022, during the 10th World Meeting of Families in Rome.
Family is an issue close to the Pope Francis’ heart. In October 2013, six months after his he became pope, he announced the 2014 and 2015 synods, to explore the pastoral challenges of the family in the context of new evangelisation.
Both synods issued a questionnaire to the world’s episcopal conferences to gain an understanding of their views on the family, they were also made available online for all Catholic groups to gain a better view of families in the frontline of Church life. Some 800 Catholic groups submitted their views.
Amoris Laetitia reaffirms the indissolubility of marriage between one man and one woman, as well as the value and the good of the family. At the same time, respects the vulnerability of the family, is pragmatic and encourages pastors to exercise careful discernment of situations. The document emphasises mercy and communion, noting that while the Church needs to uphold the conformity between doctrine and practice, it also needs to factor in the cultures, traditions and challenges of different peoples and countries, therefore certain aspects of doctrine can be interpreted in various ways.
The Diocese of Hong Kong set out Care for Marriage, Family and Life; Study and Live out the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia as the theme for 2017, with organisations such as the Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and the Family launching formation activities.
In Hong Kong, data released by the government in 2020 revealed that between 2011 and 2019, marriages declined while divorces increased, people also married later, while women gave birth to their first child at a later age. In addition, the number of people aged 60 and over who live alone increased.
The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has placed heavy financial pressure on families. The anti-pandemic measures have also led to distancing between family members, though some have rediscovered the closeness they originally cherished. It is good time to see how the Church in Hong Kong can better applyi the lessons of Amoris Laetitia and care families in difficulty.
St. Joseph, protector of the Holy Family and the patron of the Church, please guard our families and accompany the members of Church in fulfilling their call to care for the community. SE
