Stepping back from the picture, I view this as Pope Francis' calling back the sheep who have wandered and strayed. In our contemporary society, cohabitation is now the norm. Sadly, the conservative catholic blogosphere has labeled this as Pope marries couples 'living in sin'. This article provides insight into how the pope's message has resonated with young couples, some of whom have children. Since this is a sacrament, they would have been required to go to confession before the celebration of their marriage. I especially appreciated how the young couple in this article have responded to the Holy Father's message on marriage and have committed themselves to it.
I was talking with a friend at church yesterday about our desire to visit Italy. She has been to Rome, many years ago when she was in college, but I never have. And neither of us has been to Assisi.
Having been married to an Italian immigrant, we traveled frequently to Italy. During those years, I visited Rome and Assisi. Should you decide to make the trip, please let me know. I can offer a few tips on lodging in Assisi and places of interest in the surrounding area, to visit.
I agree - Pope Francis is looking at “What’s this we have now? What can we do?” and saying, “We can have them get married.”
For the mainstream media, pfui. They don’t think there’s anything wrong with living together outside marriage. They don’t think there’s anything wrong with having children outside marriage. They have nothing to contribute.
If Marie-Michele and Anoreth and I ever get our trips to Italy, I will ask you for suggestions!