Pope Francis received members of the “Retrieval” association at the Hall of Paul VI in the Vatican. The group is distributed all over the world, and aims to help couples in marital crisis find ways to solve the problem completely, and move towards healing and renewal. The Pope thanked them for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
(Vatican News Network)Pope Francis received the members of the “Retrouvaille” association at the Hall of Paul VI in the Vatican on Saturday, November 6. This Catholic faith-based group was established in Quebec, Canada in 1977. It upholds Christian values to help couples through marriage difficulties in a new way. Later, this new type of healing mission spread across the world. The purpose of the association states that every marriage “is worthy of a chance of survival and healing, thriving with the dignity of the covenant of life and love.” In this association, couples share their experiences and how they overcome challenges. This is a feasible way to improve the communication between couples and help rediscover their love for each other, thereby strengthening the marriage relationship.
Faced with the members of the association present, the pope first explained the meaning of the term “crisis”. The Pope emphasized that we should not be afraid of crises, because we can learn from them and grow, especially to avoid conflicts and close hearts. Although the crisis in life makes us feel unpleasant, it is expected to get better; if others can lend a hand, the crisis can be improved.
Next, the pope mentioned the “scars” created by the crisis. The members of the “Find Back” Association are no strangers to this, because they have helped many injured couples to heal. This is their grace: they have personally been hurt and out of crisis, so that they can share their own experiences as people who have passed by, and provide services to other couples who are in trouble today.
At this moment, there is an urgent need for these couples to testify, so that people can see that the crisis is not a curse, but a part of the journey of life. The crisis is a turning point. Furthermore, in order to make it “credible”, it must be witnessed by people who have experienced it firsthand. Vague theories or well-intentioned appeals have low credibility, and only the “testimony of life” can convince people. The Pope said: “You were in crisis, you were hurt and hurt, but thank God, through the help of your brothers and sisters, you have been healed. Now you share this experience to serve other people.”
Another key word put forward by the pope is “accompaniment”. This is certainly part of the priest’s ministry, but it also requires couples to actively participate in it and get close to other couples in the group. The Pope praised their work from the grassroots, just as the Holy Spirit promotes new expansion in the church in response to new needs. When helping many troubled couples, companionship is the first priority. It takes time, patience, respect and a spirit of willingness to help others. These are what the members of the “Finding” association are good at.
The Pope finally thanked everyone present for their contributions and encouraged them to continue their efforts. The Pope entrusted all of them to the protection of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph the Great.
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