In his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia - the much anticipated response to the recent Synods on the Family- Pope Francis offered an eminently encouraging and consoling account of modern family life, both its comforts and challenges. In this thought-provoking companion volume, journalist Breda O'Brien has invited an array of contributors, both lay and religious, to each explore a chapter of Amoris Laetitia from a variety of perspectives. This rich collection of essays illuminates such subjects as the centrality of love, compassion and forgiveness to family life; the special place of marriage; the gift of children; the role of the parish; and spirituality, the bedrock of family life. The book also contains a series of questions to prompt reflection and, as such, is ideal not only for individual use but as a study aid in a group setting. As we prepare to celebrate the World Meeting of Families in Ireland in 2018, Exploring Amoris Laetitia offers timely and considered views on the joys and stumbling blocks facing families today. Breda O'Brien is a secondary school teacher. She is married to Brendan Conroy and they have four children. A columnist with The Irish Times and The Irish Catholic, she is a regular contributor to radio and television debates on many topics, including religion, education and politics. She has also worked as a communications trainer, a researcher for RT , a columnist with the Sunday Business Post and is a patron of the Iona Institute.
