PARAGUAY, Fr. Antonio Cosp. At the heart of the Consistory and the many discussions led by the Bishop of Rome is the search for ways to open doors for remarried divorcees. It is like a fishbone that has got stuck in the throat. It is a subject that is addressed time and again with great concern. It is something that does not fit in when the whole theme of renewal – which reminds me of John XXIII – opens new vistas of mercy. Cardinal Walter Kasper was responsible for the opening keynote address. Shortly before, the Pope had praised his book “Mercy: The Essence of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life”. The central chapter deals with God’s mercy as the subject that is not strongly taken into account in the life of the Church. Among God’s characteristics, which to a great extent concern the metaphysical analysis of the Divine – simplicity, infinity, eternity, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence – his divine sympathy, his infinite mercy and the constant mercy of Jesus are insufficiently considered.
Pastorate of Hope for remarried divorcees
The Family Movement in Paraguay started a “Pastorate of Hope” six years ago to show remarried divorcees that they do not exist outside the Church, and can count upon all God’s closeness and mercy and kindness. It is oriented to what Pope John Paul II confirmed more than thirty years ago in §84 of his encyclical “Familiaris Consortium”. Our remarried divorcees do not go to Communion, but they do not feel that they are discriminated against, because they have got to know so many other possibilities to grow in holiness, and to reinforce and strengthen their families: Lection Divina, capital of grace, spiritual Communion – a wonderful way to live a love that is redeemed and makes us like the God who is Love.
Building solid bridges in their relationships
These couples can attain a great deal in order to be at peace again. Once a month they are given a talk and take part in a fraternal discussion. In addition, once a year they take part in a retreat in Tuparenda. This retreat took place two months ago, and they were encouraged to build their families as Holy Families. These are moments of profound emotion and transformation. The pilgrimage graces of the country’s shrine heal deep wounds; they now heal individuals and their surroundings. They learn to live in the minefield left by the worldwide epidemic of the inability to enter into permanent and fruitful attachments, and to build solid bridges in their relationships.
It is an experience they spread and that grows.
It is easy to find further information on this subject by doing a Google search.
Fr. Antonio Cosp
Leader of Schoenstatt’s Family Movement in Paraguay
Translation from the German: Mary Cole
Ministry of Hope
https://www.schoenstatt.org.py/pagina/pastoral-de-la-esperanza (spanish)
Ministry of Hope (Virtual Tents of Covenant Culture – Family)
