Pope Francis highlighted the importance of preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage and marriage formation in the early years to “help develop the beauty of family and marriage.”
The Holy Father was speaking to his general audience gathered in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.
Greeting the Italian-speaking faithful, the Pope stressed the importance of the “marital catechumenate” before and during the first years of married life.
“Let us not forget that the matrimonial catechumenate is important: before and after marriage, the first years, to help develop the beauty of the family and of marriage,” the Pope said.
Along these lines, the Holy Father greeted in particular “the spouses attending and the priests of the ‘Incontro Matrimoniale’ Association, encouraging their service to married couples, families, engaged couples and all those who wish to improve the quality of their relations”.
“I exhort everyone to bring the light of the Gospel everywhere, through joyful Christian witness,” the Pope said.
Previously, the Holy Father encouraged the English-speaking faithful “that the journey of Lent leads us to the celebration of Easter with hearts purified and renewed by the grace of the Holy Spirit” and prayed for “each one and for their families I invoke the joy and peace of the Lord Jesus.”
“Remain firm in your faith in Jesus Christ, because He loves you, believes in you and will never let you down. May the Lord bless you all and protect you always from all evil,” the Pope told the Arabic-speaking faithful.