In early March, Passionist Family Group people from parishes all around Christchurch and from Ashburton gathered at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sumner for a day of learning, formation and discussion. The presenter was a Passionist priest from Melbourne, Fr. Brian Traynor, CP.
His topical subject matter was divided into three sections : (1) Modern Marriage (2) Ageing, and (3) Conscience and Moral Decision Making, the latter with special reference to Pope Francis’ April 2016 Apostolic Exhortation, “Amoris Laetitia” (The Joy of Love).
Participants were reminded that, despite vast social and cultural changes over recent generations, including an expanded life expectancy, the wisdom of Jesus to Peter still holds – “I tell you, when you were younger you used to fasten your own belt and go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not want to go”. (John 21:18).
