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A “path of conversion” suggested for civilly remarried Catholics would see them abstain from sexual relations for a week at Easter.
Italian canon lawyer Fr Eugenio Zanetti’s idea was one of those mooted in a book “Family and Church, an indissoluble bond”, published in Italian in June.
The book contained lectures by theologians and lawyers given at three seminars organised earlier this year by the Pontifical Council for the Family.
What Fr Zanetti outlined was not a “penitential path” for divorced and remarried couples, but what he called a “path of conversion to love”, meaning to God who is love.
His process would begin with a year of individual and group prayer and reflection, particularly looking at the obligations that remain to the spouse and any children from one’s sacramental marriage, he said.
During Lent, the prayer would intensify and the reflection would include attention to the Christian understanding of sexuality.
At the end of Holy Week, the couple would be invited to Confession, “recognising their sins, including their complex and not fully correct marriage situation”.
As a condition of granting them absolution, the Church would ask for a promise that they abstain from sexual relations during the Octave of Easter, which would permit them to receive Communion at Easter and on Divine Mercy Sunday.
Fr Eduardo Scognamiglio, OFM Conv, a professor at the Southern Italy Theological Faculty, voiced hope that the synod on the family would “honestly discuss whether it is possible to deprive a member of the faithful of the Eucharist for all of his existence.”
Fr Giampaolo Dianin, a professor of moral theology at the Theological Faculty of Triveneto, outlined a “penitential path” process, one result of which could be a “partial” readmission to the sacraments at Easter and on special occasions.
He cited the precepts of the Church that Confession be made at least once a year, and that one receive Communion at least once a year, during the Easter season.
These precepts can be traced to the Fourth Lateran Council, held in 1215.
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