La buena noticia sobre el matrimonio

Monday, September 20, 2010

*Bishop Felipe Estevez

English Spanish

Los Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos designaron el 19 de septiembre del presente año — el domingo pasado — como el domingo catequético y el tema para este año fue “Matrimonio: Sacramento de amor perdurable”.

La mayoría de los católicos desconocen el combate de los Obispos de Estados Unidos por “defender, promover, fortalecer, sanar y reconciliar matrimonios”. Como lo decimos al final del magnífico documento aprobado en noviembre, 2009, “El Matrimonio: amor y vida en el plan divino”: “nos comprometemos a colaborar con todos los que buscan crear una vibrante cultura del matrimonio enraizada en el plan de Dios para el bien de la humanidad”.

Esta carta es sólo un ingrediente de todo un plan estratégico para ayudar “a los llamados a la vocación de la vida matrimonial a vivirla de manera fiel, fructífera y gozosa”.

El padre de esta iniciativa es sin duda el papa magno Juan Pablo II, que ha hace más de 25 años había hecho el diagnóstico acertado. “En un momento histórico en que la familia es objeto de muchas fuerzas que tratan de destruirla o deformarla, la Iglesia, consciente de que el bien de la sociedad y de sí misma está profundamente vinculado al bien de la familia, siente de manera más viva y acuciante su misión de proclamar a todos el designio de Dios sobre el matrimonio y la familia, asegurando su plena vitalidad, así como su promoción humana y cristiana, contribuyendo de este modo a la renovación de la sociedad y del mismo Pueblo de Dios”. (Exhortación Apostólica Familiaris Consortio 3)

La cultura mundial se ha enriquecido por sus 88 catequesis sobre la teología del cuerpo y por sus múltiples institutos, a través del mundo dedicados al estudio serio del matrimonio y la familia.

¿Cuáles son hoy “las fuerzas que tratan de destruir o deformar a esta célula fundamental tanto de la sociedad como de los creyentes? Los pastores analizan cuatro: los anticonceptivos, las uniones del mismo sexo, el divorcio, y la cohabitación.

A esta denuncia valiente de las fuerzas destructoras le sigue una rica presentación del don y la bendición del matrimonio, tanto como institución natural del bien común de la sociedad y de la Iglesia, como sacramento. ¿Cúantos de nuestros fieles perciben su familia como reflejo de la vida de la Trinidad e Iglesia pequeña, y su matrimonio como vocación a la perfección en el amor?

Este gran empeño a nivel nacional no nos sorprende porque en la Arquidiócesis de Miami la defensa y crecimiento del matrimonio y la familia, se ha revelado como una gran prioridad a lo largo de sus 50 años de existencia, a través de la preparación pre-matrimonial y la celebración de la fidelidad de los esposos con las misas de jubileos. Los movimientos han sido también un gran complemento de vitalidad y renovación.

Para los que desean conocer más, les invito a visitar la página web de nuestra oficina de enriquecimiento familiar: www.miamicatholicfamily.org. En esta página encontrarán como contactar a los diferentes movimientos que están dedicados al enriquecimiento espiritual de nuestras familias: Movimiento Familiar Cristiano, Impactos, Encuentros Matrimoniales Mundiales, Encuentros Familiares, Camino del Matrimonio, Matrimonios 2000, Una Experiencia de Alianza (the Covenant Experience), Ágape (para personas divorciadas) y Amor en el Principio (específicamente para jóvenes interesados en tener un noviazgo), etc.

A estos movimientos también pudiéramos añadir Matrimonios en Victoria y Parejas para Cristo (Couples for Christ), también dedicados a este próposito tan sublime. Les quisiera recomendar la lectura y meditación de la Carta a las Familias (febrero 1994), y de la exhortación apostólica Familiaris Consortio, las dos por el Venerable Papa Juan Pablo II.

Y por ultimo, la página que tiene tantos buenos recursos para la vida matrimonial: www.portumatrimonio.org.

Comments from readers

Marta Vargas - 09/26/2010 11:14 PM

Thank you Bishop Estevez for this wonderful post and thanks to the USCCB for its wisdom in highlighting the sacrament of marriage this year as part of Catechetical Sunday, and in it offering us an important reminder of how interconnected adult and youth catechesis are in the larger scheme to build up a strong Church and true civilization of love through stronger families. Marriage is such a doorway to grace, a special opportunity to draw in (or back in ) couples who may have may have discontinued their active involvement or formation years back or simply been away from the Church.

Brother Richard thank you for sharing your concerns, a concern we share as we pray and seek ways to address, one through our (currently under development) community building initiative 'Serving Families As Family' , and the other by reaching out to our Community at large in particular need of couples who might feel called to help build stronger families as English and Spanish facilitators for marriage preparation Sacramentality days a program based on the teachings of John Paul II in the Theology of the Body designed to, in union with the existing marriage preparation programs, enrich couples' preparation experience.

Serving Families As Family is simply the vision of assisting in seeing all ministries and movements who support marriages and families truly united so we can, in a collaborative spirit, achieve more together by keeping connected, openly communicating, synchronizing event calendars, sharing ideas and resources.

Those interested in learning more about 'Serving Families As Family' or volunteer opportunities as part of our Sacramentality Day marriage prep teams may contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Additionally, would like to invite all to join our facebook page "Archdiocese of Miami Family Life Ministry". We are also on twitter as "miamifamilylife". You are also welcome to take a sneak peek at the following pages currently under construction which once up and running will be linked to our main portal www.miamicatholicfamily.org : http://miamicatholicfamily-marriageprep.webs.com/
http://friendsofmiamifamilylife.webs.com/

Thanks again, Bishop Estevez, for this wonderful and inspiring blog, and blessings to all as we all work together doing our part, none too small, to bless and support marriages and families in South Florida!

Br. Richard DeMaria - 09/21/2010 02:37 PM

Hello, Bishop Estevez, What a masterful summary of a long tradition of efforts on the part of the Pope, the bishops of the United States adn of our own diocese to support the institution of marriage and those who are called to that vocation. I have long been concerned that The Family Enrichment Center is responsible for so many good initiatives with so few resources.

Lizette M. Lantigua - 09/21/2010 01:58 PM

Thank you Bishop Estevez for highlighting these important ministries. I have participated in many of them and find them essential for couples to strengthen their marriage and family life. We should never be to busy to attend these events or wait until we may have problems. It's important to be preventive just like we attend business seminars or medical conferences to grow in knowledge. Currently many parishes are offering one day marriage retreats. This is perfect for couples with children. We just started this ministry at St. Mark Catholic Church in Broward. We hold two a year- one in English and another in Spanish. If anyone is interested please call our parish. Thanks!

Maria Jose Mitsoulis - 09/21/2010 08:58 AM

Thank you Bishop Estevez for your beautiful blog. There is so much information and formation for couples that is amazing. In the domestic church is where we learn to share with one another, forgive one another, serve and pray. It is a challenging task. We need God's grace and the support of those around us to give a good example to our children. Thank you again for this reflection.

Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D. - 09/20/2010 11:06 AM

Dear Bishop,
As always, your blog contains such inportant information that needs time for it to be meditated. As a Catholic school principal, I know the value of marriage as it is the home, as you and Bishop Roman always say, that is so essential for the well being of society and thus, of our children. May you continue to educate us as you pursue your ministry. It is up to all of us to make a better and more sanctifying society.
In faith, hope and charity,
Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D.
Principal
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

Marta Vargas - 09/26/2010 11:14 PM: Thank you Bishop Estevez for this wonderful post and thanks to the USCCB for its wisdom in highlighting the sacrament of marriage this year as part of Catechetical Sunday, and in it offering us an important reminder of how interconnected adult and youth catechesis are in the larger scheme to build up a strong Church and true civilization of love through stronger families. Marriage is such a doorway to grace, a special opportunity to draw in (or back in ) couples who may have may have discontinued their active involvement or formation years back or simply been away from the Church.

Brother Richard thank you for sharing your concerns, a concern we share as we pray and seek ways to address, one through our (currently under development) community building initiative 'Serving Families As Family' , and the other by reaching out to our Community at large in particular need of couples who might feel called to help build stronger families as English and Spanish facilitators for marriage preparation Sacramentality days a program based on the teachings of John Paul II in the Theology of the Body designed to, in union with the existing marriage preparation programs, enrich couples' preparation experience.

Serving Families As Family is simply the vision of assisting in seeing all ministries and movements who support marriages and families truly united so we can, in a collaborative spirit, achieve more together by keeping connected, openly communicating, synchronizing event calendars, sharing ideas and resources.

Those interested in learning more about 'Serving Families As Family' or volunteer opportunities as part of our Sacramentality Day marriage prep teams may contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Additionally, would like to invite all to join our facebook page "Archdiocese of Miami Family Life Ministry". We are also on twitter as "miamifamilylife". You are also welcome to take a sneak peek at the following pages currently under construction which once up and running will be linked to our main portal www.miamicatholicfamily.org : http://miamicatholicfamily-marriageprep.webs.com/
http://friendsofmiamifamilylife.webs.com/

Thanks again, Bishop Estevez, for this wonderful and inspiring blog, and blessings to all as we all work together doing our part, none too small, to bless and support marriages and families in South Florida!

Br. Richard DeMaria - 09/21/2010 02:37 PM: Hello, Bishop Estevez, What a masterful summary of a long tradition of efforts on the part of the Pope, the bishops of the United States adn of our own diocese to support the institution of marriage and those who are called to that vocation. I have long been concerned that The Family Enrichment Center is responsible for so many good initiatives with so few resources.

Lizette M. Lantigua - 09/21/2010 01:58 PM: Thank you Bishop Estevez for highlighting these important ministries. I have participated in many of them and find them essential for couples to strengthen their marriage and family life. We should never be to busy to attend these events or wait until we may have problems. It's important to be preventive just like we attend business seminars or medical conferences to grow in knowledge. Currently many parishes are offering one day marriage retreats. This is perfect for couples with children. We just started this ministry at St. Mark Catholic Church in Broward. We hold two a year- one in English and another in Spanish. If anyone is interested please call our parish. Thanks!

Maria Jose Mitsoulis - 09/21/2010 08:58 AM: Thank you Bishop Estevez for your beautiful blog. There is so much information and formation for couples that is amazing. In the domestic church is where we learn to share with one another, forgive one another, serve and pray. It is a challenging task. We need God's grace and the support of those around us to give a good example to our children. Thank you again for this reflection.

Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D. - 09/20/2010 11:06 AM: Dear Bishop,
As always, your blog contains such inportant information that needs time for it to be meditated. As a Catholic school principal, I know the value of marriage as it is the home, as you and Bishop Roman always say, that is so essential for the well being of society and thus, of our children. May you continue to educate us as you pursue your ministry. It is up to all of us to make a better and more sanctifying society.
In faith, hope and charity,
Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D.
Principal
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School