Message of Amoris Laetitia

When we listen to or read the messages of Pope Francis, we realise that it is perhaps the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia that has given rise to the greatest debate, controversy, and questions...

It is an extensive document in nine chapters that proposes a reflection on the realities of conjugal and family life. It is a proposal to see the humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ who walks alongside marriages and families, who listens to them, understands and accompanies them and who, despite crises, difficulties, complex situations and suffering, does not abandon them.

The Pope proposes to us to perceive God's plan for marriage and the family. In the first chapter, he begins with some biblical quotations and stories in which he contemplates human love that symbolically manifests God's love. In the second, he looks at the challenges and dangers facing the family in today's world. The third focuses on the vocation of the family that looks to the person of Jesus and recognises the sacramentality of marriage. Then comes a beautiful fourth chapter, which delves into the reality of married love based on the hymn from the Letter to the Corinthians. In the fifth, he presents the fruitfulness of love in concern for others. The sixth chapter encourages us to look at pastoral perspectives in accompaniment, and the following chapter focuses on the education of children. The eighth chapter, possibly the most controversial, calls us to mercy and compassion as we contemplate the fragility that calls for accompaniment, discernment and integration. And the last chapter reflects on conjugal and family spirituality.

It is a document that ratifies for us, the members of Teams of Our Lady, our charism, our mysticism, our pedagogy and our missionary spirit which, in the latest Orientations, lead us to heed the Pope's calls. We believe in marriage according to God's will and, at the same time, we know the concrete circumstances that arise from the weakness and fragility of the human condition.

I believe that the heart of the Exhortation is the "humanisation" of divine love. It is a realistic look at the reality of marriages and families who, in the midst of difficulties, crises, misunderstandings, etc, want to make their lives a coherent response to God's invitation. It contemplates the creative plan and the response of creatures. It shows the greatness of the vocation to love in God's way, recognises the limitations and challenges that arise, and opens up ways of responding to the concerns that arise in the face of the various circumstances that accompany human weakness.

The Pope wants to show a realistic Church that is present to people in order to accompany them on their journey. If the Christian community is the sacrament of unity and a sign and instrument of the visibility of divine mercy, Amoris Laetitia traces a concrete and coherent path in this task of making present the Good News of God's love in human love. Hence, in the text, the Pope does not fail to consider the variety of aspects involved in the love of men and women who want to realise their life project in marriage and the family (sexuality, procreation, maternity, paternity, absences, education, old age, illness, crisis, technology, communication, etc).

Let us allow this year's celebration to lead us to a deepening of what the Pope has said and to commit us to live what we believe, what we long for and what we are building.

THE TEAMS OF OUR LADY IN COLOMBIA CELEBRATE 60 YEARS WITH A VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE

"Renewed couples, witnesses on the road to holiness”

Remembering the past allows us to understand the present and build the future and what better way to do this than by celebrating those important moments in life.

Since 2019, as Province Couple and then as SR Couple for SR Colombia, we dreamed of celebrating the 60th anniversary of TOL in our country with a national meeting where we had the opportunity to remember our history and dream of the opportunities that were offered to us as a nascent Super Region.

Once the work team was formed, Villa de Leyva was chosen as the venue for the 2nd National Meeting. Due to its proximity, this location facilitated the pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Marian Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, Patroness of Colombia. Here, we could consecrate ourselves to Mary. In 2020, the COVID 19 pandemic cut short the entire project, forcing its cancellation.

After a few weeks, and after overcoming the emotional impact caused by the health emergency, each of the regions gradually resumed their meetings, encounters, formation days and "spiritual retreats" virtually. There was very good participation of the team members, encouraging animation and mutual help. In this scenario of virtual team life, it was fortunate that our daughter, who because of her age and professional experience with networks, was able to revive the hope of our celebration by suggesting the possibility of a virtual pilgrimage. This gave a twist to our event, because what was going to be held in person now became a virtual event. The networks would become roads and YouTube would be the meeting room, church and place of collective embrace. We no longer needed buses and planes for transporting people, but instead transport for carrying medals, a picture of the Virgin, commemorative agenda and the guide for spiritual preparation.

The pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá inspired a deeply spiritual celebration aimed at giving thanks to God for the blessing of TOL in Colombia and an occasion to consecrate ourselves as a Super Region to the Virgin Mary, Patroness and Lady of the Teams.

The work team quickly took up the task. And after overcoming some setbacks, the work material was in the homes and we were ready to start the pilgrimage. For nine days, we began a journey of renewal of our marital relationship inspired by the miracle of Chiquinquira and the virtues of Mary. The event was held from February 23rd at 7:30 every night on a YouTube channel. Each region took turns at telling their story. Their regional priest, inspired by a biblical passage proposed in the guide, prepared us so that each household in the intimacy of their home would practice personal prayer, conjugal prayer, reading of the word and an intense conjugal dialogue that concluded with a task that both should develop the next day, as suggested in the preparation booklet.

The 9th day of preparation was run by the Dominican friars who opened the doors of the Shrine. We were able to go on pilgrimage virtually from 4th to 6th March, at the same time as the meeting of the College of the Super Region. The pilgrimage was opened by Edgardo and Clarita Bernal Fandiño, ERI responsable couple. This took place prior to the Eucharist arranged by the Central Colombia Region, cradle of the Colombian Teams history and origin of the sowing of TOL throughout almost all the geography of our country. During the three days of pilgrimage, each region had the opportunity to talk about their region today. Several invited couples shared their reflections, experiences and knowledge about important moments in the history of TOL in Colombia; about Father Caffarel and the need for perseverance in prayer to renew and keep alive our conjugal spirituality; and about the role of the Virgin Mary as Lady and Patroness of the Teams. They also told part of the story of Maria Ramos, a Spanish woman and human protagonist in the miracle of renewal. Devoted to prayer, trusting in the intercession of the Virgin Mary and with exemplary faith, she prayed to God for her broken marriage. For his part, the Rector of the National Shrine, inspired by his reading of the signs of the times, invited all the members of the movement to know and prepare themselves to face the risks and challenges of the Catholic family in today's world and to be homes in the manner of the family of Nazareth.

In thanksgiving and as a sign of confidence for these 60 years, we concluded our virtual pilgrimage with the Eucharist of thanksgiving. This was presided over by Monsignor Pedro Salamanca, Auxiliary Bishop of Bogotá and Spiritual Counsellor, followed by the act of consecration of our Super Region to the Virgin Mary. A closing concert was held with the Colombian Catholic singer-songwriter Héctor Tobo.

What about the road ahead? The pandemic has highlighted our fragile human condition, but solidarity, dedication and sacrifice, even of one's own life, are also re-emerging as a clear expression of fraternal charity, making us look to the future with hope. For those of us who carry the message of Jesus and with our conjugal love show that "love is alive", the darkness on the horizon is a real challenge because we are called to "be salt of the earth". Therefore we invite you to take on with intensity the renewal of our marriage and team life so that from our vocation and assuming our mission, we can be true witnesses of the path to holiness.

From Ireland with Love: An International Marriage Masterclass

Teams of Our Lady have existed in Ireland for more than half a century. However, despite its long existence and the enthusiasm of its members, Teams in Ireland may be reaching a ‘tipping point’ in relation to their continued existence on the island since many of its members are ageing. Faced with this concerning reality, in September 2019, the Regional Couple Jim and Elaine Keogh established an Expansion Committee, operating at a national level, which is responsible for promoting the movement.

One of the key expansion projects that we organised as members of this committee was the Marriage Masterclass with Teams of Our Lady, which is now in its third edition. The first two editions held in August and December 2020 were incredibly successful, reaching people from over 20, respectively 30 countries around the globe. Given that Our Lady is the patron of Teams, it was our desire for the Marriage Masterclass to be connected with a major feast dedicated to Her. Therefore, the first Masterclass took place during the Feast of the Assumption in August, while its second edition ended on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on the 8

of December. We entrusted the Masterclass to our heavenly Mother, praying that it would touch the hearts of many, bringing renewal of faith, hope and love into parishes, families and homes around the globe.

The objective of this Masterclass, which has become now a yearly event, goes much beyond the regional expansion in Ireland: it aims to promote the spirituality of Teams, sharing the beauty and richness that this movement brings to the lives of many people throughout the world. It aims to build bridges and to bring together people of faith across continents, while sharing a pool of experiences about how Teams enriched the lives of many and strengthen their vocations to married life and priesthood. A truly unique initiative sent from Ireland with love to the whole world, during such difficult times of global pandemic.

The first edition of this international Masterclass, held on Facebook in August 2020, consisted of 30+ video-testimonies from couples, priests and bishops from 8 countries, while its second edition, gathered over 40 videos from members of Teams in 10 countries. Among these testimonies, there was also a collective video made by the members of Youth Teams of Our Lady in South Africa.

The videos received from couples consisted of testimonies of married life and ‘words of wisdom’ about a variety of topics such as: the beauty of belonging to Teams, Father Caffarel’s spirituality, the six endeavours, enhancing faith with Teams, experiences of married life – in good times and in bad times, recipes of success for happy marriages, infertility and adoption, and raising children in faith. In addition, various priests gave testimony about the graces and strength received while sharing their vocational journey with married couples. The videos of three Bishops were also displayed during the Masterclass. Bishop Steve Lowe, Diocese of Hamilton, New Zealand, discussed how Teams of Our Lady has transformed the local Church. Using a mnemonic, Bishop Denis Nulty, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, Ireland, explained that for him, the initials TEAMS mean: Teams + Endeavours + Attributes of the spouses + Monthly Meeting + Sacraments. Bishop Nicholas Hudson, Diocese of Westminster, UK, shared with great affection about his parents who were members of Teams for over 50 years of their married life.

With their amazing diversity, these videos represented a snapshot of what Teams of Our Lady has to offer, especially considering that this movement is present in over 90 countries throughout the world. Furthermore, these video-testimonies highlighted what an enormous gift it represents not only for families, but also for young people trying to live their faith, for priests, bishops and for the whole Catholic Church.

Both Masterclasses held in 2020 were extremely well received by a large audience spanning six continents. One of the many messages received from our participants said: “Thank you for your 'Yes' to the Holy Spirit. Great initiative.” Indeed, this is how the event felt to us: as a fantastic journey with God, inspired by the Holy Spirit whose presence and guidance was incredibly powerful throughout the organisation process and during the event.

Building on the success of its previous two editions, Teams of Our Lady Ireland recently announced the call for videos for the third Marriage Masterclass to be held from the 1

to the 8

of December 2021. As usual, the event will take place on the private Facebook group called: Marriage Masterclass with Teams of Our Lady, which is currently hosting the Teams EXPERIENCE project.

Overall, since we started this amazing journey of the ‘Marriage Masterclasses’, we were extremely touched by the fantastic support of people in Ireland and all over the world, Team members that we knew well and others we didn’t know at all. This Masterclass is for us a great opportunity to get to know people in Teams throughout the world. We feel privileged to get in touch with so many couples, to get a glimpse of the wider movement and, most importantly, to be in the service of God and of Teams of Our Lady.

God bless you all!

Explaining the blessings of sacramental marriage in a contemporary way is the goal of the new Marriage YouCat.

The Marriage YouCat is a project for the World Church, which is significantly supported by the Austrian Bishops' Conference. Savina and I were invited to work on this project because of our involvement in Austrian assembly of Spiritual Communities for "Marriage and Family".

Based on the worldwide success of the YouCat, a catechism that explains the teachings of the Catholic Church in straightforward language so that young people can understand them, the desire arose to write a special catechism for marriage.

The aim of this special catechism is to explain Christian sacramental marriage in an accessible language and form and thus also to promote it. This YouCat wants to consciously build bridges and reach people who, due to a lack of positive role models or little positive experience with the Church and the clergy, as well as the often formulaic language, are little familiar with the treasures and contents of the Church. The YouCat wants to be an invitation to engage with the teachings of the church and to give the possibility to lead a fulfilled life.

In a first step, questions were collected from all over the world, which were then bundled into 300 questions in the following 5 categories.

1. discover the richness of love

2. make yourself beautiful for the wedding now

3. together - and no longer lonely

4. the big day before the wedding altar

5. love lives, grow in love

The individual countries were assigned questions, so that each question should be answered by 2-3 teams. Savina and I have worked especially on the questions that are very close to the END mission.

The editorial team now has the great task of assigning questions and answers, to bring them together and to transfer them into a certain methodology. For this we wish the editorial team the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

A global YouCat for marriage is probably as necessary as it is a great challenge.

On the one hand, the central teachings of the Church need to be explained in a way that is accessible to young people; on the other hand, there is the challenge that the words marriage and family have a broader meaning than the Christian context, and that marriage and family are always lived and understood in a particular social and cultural context.

If we want to appeal not only to young people who come from a classical Catholic context, the proper inculturation of YOUCAT will probably be a big challenge in itself.

We were able to talk about this point with the editor.

We quickly agreed that the Youcat has its limits. As a catechism, it can only provide short and very general answers. However, as a successful brand, YouCat can create a new positive attention to the purposes of sacramental marriages. Thus, it is impossible to answer a question like "How is it possible to remain faithful to a person and love him throughout his life?" in a few sentences (1500 characters) in a non-trivial way.

We have spoken with the editor about the fact that there is probably a need for additional formats here, which offer concrete help for a successful marriage, but also concrete help with problems and also offer support and comfort.

Here is a chance for us as a worldwide community to use this YouCat as a chance for our concerns. As a worldwide community we could potentially make an important contribution at this point.

On the one hand we could deliberately use the attention around the new marriage YouCat, in order to make our life aids and pedagogy known and to support married couples in such a way quite practically. On the other hand, we can underpin the abstract messages of the Marriage YouCat in a very practical way, since we have a methodology that has proven itself globally in the most diverse cultures and contexts.

For our region, with our very limited resources, we are considering addressing the subject in conjunction with YouCat, but also Alpha and other marriage initiatives. So we could imagine a YouCat marriage course or YouCat marriage manual to reach as many couples as possible.

This project has been very beneficial to us in several ways:

- On the one hand, it is nevertheless a wonderful challenge to once again deal with this important topic in a very fundamental way, and to consider how to convey the core messages to young people in a simple and participatory way.

- The collaboration with the other communities, but very distinguished priests and other individuals in this field is a very great blessing and treasure.

- And finally, it was a wonderful opportunity to make END better known in the Catholic County in Austria.

VETERANS’ TEAMS IN THE SUPER REGION OF SPAIN
(Forever TOL)

The life of a team resembles, in a certain way, the vital trajectory of a living being: a team is born, grows, matures, bears fruit and, finally, disappears. Throughout its existence, it constitutes a basic ecclesial tool for couples and priests to experience conjugal spirituality, mutual help and, in short, to live a path of holiness throughout their married or priestly life shared with other couples and priests: the life of teams.

The disappearance of a team, for whatever reason, does not eliminate, in some of its members, the feeling of belonging to TOL that has been forged and experienced throughout a married, priestly and family life, and in the heart of team life.

The document Vocation and Mission (ERI, Fatima, 2018) states that our Movement must adapt to the modern world without neglecting our elders, taking into account the loneliness they may suffer with the disappearance of their team and trying to manage the desire to continue belonging to TOL.

For some years and in different parts of the Super-Region of Spain, various initiatives have been appearing (under the title of Veterans' Teams or also known as Always TOL) which crystallise the ideas we have set out above and which aim to provide a solution to the lack of resources for veteran team members of the Movement. As far as we know, this is a unique experience in our Super-Region and should not be confused with another structure of the Movement. Rather, it is a service of accompaniment for these groups of veteran team members. To help us understand this better, by way of example, we will describe the experience we have been developing in Seville because it is the one we know best.

Since November 2012, thanks to the idea of the Seco-Gordillo couple, together with their Spiritual Counsellor, Dom Pedro Ybarra, from whom this initiative started, the Teams of Our Lady of Seville have been accompanying a group of veteran team members made up of more than 50 people. The aim of this activity is to provide help to (and among) the members of this group in order to avoid the disengagement of those who have lost their teams from the Movement, thus responding to the needs of many couples.

With this in mind, we thought that the Movement could offer couples, or widows and widowers, who find themselves in this situation, the possibility of having contact with other team members who are experiencing the same circumstances. By holding meetings that are largely similar to team meetings, enables them to recover or maintain their links with TOL and, above all, makes it possible for them to practice mutual help among themselves.

We meet three or four times a year. The meetings last between two and three hours and are modelled on the team meeting, adapted, of course, to the needs of the group. It consists of five parts. We begin with a WELCOME for all, where we take the opportunity to greet each other and take an interest in each other through a pleasant and relaxed chat.

We spend a long time praying together, in a carefully prepared PRAYER. We introduce this with the projection of a video, a song or some words to create the right atmosphere. The main focus of the prayer is the proclamation of the Gospel, the shared reflections, intercession and communal thanksgiving.

At the end of this important part of the meeting, we move on to the presentation of the STUDY THEME we have chosen for the year. Throughout these years, many and varied topics have been studied, always trying to approach them from the point of view of the veterans of Teams. Many priests and couples from the group itself have generously collaborated in the preparation and presentation of the theme. We are deeply grateful to all of them.

This was followed by a SHARED DIALOGUE in which those attending the meeting expressed their opinions and points of view, thus enriching and completing everything that had been said previously. Finally, we all prayed the MAGNIFICAT prayer together and ended by sharing a FRATERNAL and relaxed AGAPE. We said goodbye with the desire and the intention of seeing each other at the next meeting.

From an experiential point of view, this activity began because some couples with a lot of experience in Teams, found themselves feeling a certain emptiness after a long life in community with other couples and sharing their faith and life with them. Some found themselves without a link to our Movement and their disconnection was such that they did not even receive the Newsletter or any other information related to it. These steps were resolved early on.

The first convocation of these veteran team members in November 2012 was a conscientious effort to find those who were lost and without any connection to the Movement. It was a joy to reconnect with couples and widows and widowers who had not been in contact for some years, but who had shared responsibilities and services. That was an unforgettable experience, which encouraged us to continue to be enthusiastic about this new experience of living our Movement in a different way. It kept us united among ourselves and with the Movement. It has also helped us to continue to be more united, even forming a WhatsApp group in which we exchange news of the Movement, together with contributions of prayers and comments of general interest.

The first meeting was held in a small chapel of Perpetual Adoration, with the pleasant surprise that so many team members attended. Some were in wheelchairs, so we had to move to an adjoining room. This gave rise to the desire to continue this magnificent experience.

We have always admired the testimony of widows and widowers who have discovered that married love is stronger than death.

Lately, it has become necessary to take up a collection which is sent to the National Secretariat as an annual contribution for this group of veterans.

This year, because of the pandemic, we have had on-line meetings. The last one of the year, God willing, will be celebrated in person with a Eucharist.

We encourage all Sectors and Regions to bring this experience to their veteran team members. We know that this initiative has been taken up by the Super-Regional Team of Spain, which is promoting and encouraging it, together with the Super-Regional College.

We send you a fraternal embrace.