“The Joy of Loving,” a spiritual journey in the light of Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia
In polls on the greatest desires of our contemporaries, the joy of loving, as a couple, as a family remains in the lead.
However, as we can see, this desire is often thwarted and the result is great suffering.
What then can contribute to the success of a love?
In his post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis opens up avenues for us and qualifies true love, in the light of St Paul's Hymn to Love (1 Cor 13, 4-7).
During this Lent 2022, the sanctuary of Alençon offers you every Sunday to reflect on it, in the company of Saints Louis and Zélie and Thérèse, their daughter.
May the Lord enlighten us on the adjustments to be made in the art of loving. Happy Lent everyone!
Every Sunday, a new video will be posted in this article and on the shrine's YouTube channel.
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Episode 1 – Patience in Love
For this first episode, Father Thierry Hénault-Morel, rector of the sanctuary, evokes the theme of patience in love.
Episode 2 – Love Helps
For this second episode, Father Thierry Hénault-Morel, rector of the sanctuary, evokes the theme of love that renders service.
Service is to put effective kindness into practice; it is to do good and not only to say good. In this video, discover examples of service, within the Martin couple and more broadly within the Martin family.
“As Saint Ignatius of Loyola said, 'love should be put more into works than into words'. It can thus show all its fecundity, and it allows us to experience the happiness of giving, the nobility and grandeur of giving oneself fully, without measure, gratuitously, for the sole pleasure of giving and serving. »
Pope Francis
Episode 3 – Love does not envy
For this third episode, Father Thierry Hénault-Morel, rector of the sanctuary, evokes the theme of love that does not envy.
In his apostolic exhortation, the pope invites us to free ourselves from envy, and not allow ourselves to be locked into jealousy and desire for what others may have.
We must rejoice in the good of the other. And so we give glory to God.
Episode 4 – Love Does Not Swell
For this fourth episode, Father Thierry Hénault-Morel, rector of the sanctuary, evokes the theme of love that does not swell.
Love should not be puffed up with pride. We see it however between the nations which dispute the power and the domination. Love that swells also exists in couples.
“To cure pride is to cultivate humility.” said Pope Francis, “It is essential in love to understand, to excuse, to serve others with the heart, and not to dominate.”.
Pope Francis
Episode 5 – To love is to be lovable
For this fifth episode, Father Thierry Hénault-Morel, rector of the sanctuary, evokes the theme of friendliness
He who loves hates making others suffer. Enter the life of the other request “delicacy, an attitude that is not invasive, which renews trust and respect” (Pope Francis).
“He who loves is able to say words of encouragement, of comfort, which strengthen, which console, which stimulate.”
Pope Francis
Episode 6 – Forgiveness in Love
For this sixth episode, Father Thierry Hénault-Morel, rector of the sanctuary, evokes the theme of forgiveness in love.
Pope Francis highlights the essential place of forgiveness, without which love cannot possibly last.
Forgiveness consists in taking the defense of the other, and in not accumulating resentment. It consists of trying to understand the weakness of others and trying to find excuses for them.
Episode 7 – Love stronger than anything
For this last episode and this Easter weekend, Father Thierry Hénault-Morel, rector of the sanctuary, evokes the theme of love stronger than anything.
