Close to Those with a Wounded Heart

To implement Amoris Laetitia the Bishops of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta have drawn up some guidelines now published in a note entitled “The Lord is close to those who have a wounded heart. Accompany, discern, integrate.”

The aim is to invite all families to live a style of closeness and attention through indications useful for dealing with the situations of couples and families whose love is wounded or suffering. Among other things, the note suggests accompanying—in an atmosphere characterized by listening—couples individually and never in groups. Starting here, each diocese is urged to create a “welcoming space,” where the different situations can be assessed.

The Bishops’ document strongly insists on the fact that discernment takes place over time in a dialogue between the priest and the couple or even just one of the spouses. This task is entrusted to all priests, who can follow the couples on their path of integration into the life of the Church.