Nurturing support

Guiding divorced catholics through the post-court journey with pastoral accompaniment

Abstract

This study focused on the pastoral care and support provided by the Catholic Church for Catholics who had experienced divorce after a court decision. Drawing inspiration from the document Amoris Laetitia, the article examined the potential of accompaniment to address the challenges faced by divorced Catholics in contemporary society. With divorce having become increasingly prevalent, the Catholic Church met the responsibility of providing meaningful guidance and support to individuals navigating the aftermath of marital separation. This research adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing a literature review of Catholic marriage and conducting in-depth interviews to gather data. The findings revealed that divorced couples often underwent difficult situations, necessitating careful attention and compassionate understanding. By analyzing the prospects of accompaniment for divorced Catholics through the lens of Amoris Laetitia, this article contributed to the ongoing conversation within the Catholic Church regarding pastoral care for individuals who had experienced divorce. The research aimed to provide insights and recommendations that could assist clergy, pastoral workers, and the wider Catholic community in offering meaningful support to post-divorced Catholics. The article sought to nurture a renewed sense of hope and belonging for those affected by divorce within the Catholic Church by promoting emotional healing, fostering spiritual growth, and encouraging reconciliation. Overall, this study highlighted the importance of compassionate pastoral care for divorced Catholics and emphasized the role of accompaniment in addressing their unique challenges and fostering their spiritual well-being.