Catholic Fire

“Today marriage tends to be viewed as a form of mere emotional satisfaction that can be constructed in any way or modified at will. Unfortunately this vision also influences the mentality of Christians, promoting a tendency toward divorce or separation.” ~ Pope Francis, speaking to the Polish bishops last week, exercepted from  Pope: Marriage cannot be based simply on emotional satisfaction

LOS ANGELES – Mel Gibson's wife of 28 years filed for divorce Monday, citing irreconcilable differences. Robyn Gibson filed the petition, which offers no details of the breakup, in Los Angeles Superior Court. The couple have seven children, but only one under 18. Robyn Gibson has requested joint custody of their son who turns 10 on Tuesday. Details of how the couple's assets will be divided were not spelled out in the court filings. Robyn Gibson is seeking jewelry and earnings and assets she accrued after the couple separated, and a share of the money and assets Gibson, 53, has earned during his nearly three decades as a Hollywood hitmaker. She wants the actor-director to pay spousal support and her attorney's fees. The Gibsons released a joint statement Monday, seeking privacy. "Throughout our marriage and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so," the statement read. The couple were married...

Pope Benedict XVI said the church must bring the "Gospel of mercy" to those involved in abortion and divorce, showing sensitivity to the inner burdens they bear. He said abortion in particular produces "devastating consequences" for the woman involved, for the family and for society, helping promote a materialistic mentality that shows contempt for life. More at Catholic News Service. This is by no means a new message, but is one that needs to be reiterated. As Christian Catholics, our duty is to be compassionate and understanding of those in such situations. It is God's mercy and love as shown through our actions that will provide those suffering from the pain of divorce and the trauma of abortion that will heal their wounds. It is our love and mercy that will draw these suffering souls back into the fold as they receive God's forgiveness and mercy, in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He loves each of us unconditionally and so, too, are we called to love o...