Theo 13 | AAR ASENETA

Module 4, Lesson 3: Conjugal Love Lecture Outline

I. Marriage as a covenant of love

John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, no. 13:

“Conjugal love involves a totality, in which all the elements of the person enter - appeal
of the body and instinct, power of feeling and affectivity, aspiration of the spirit and of
will. It aims at a deeply personal unity, a unity that, beyond union in one flesh, leads to
forming one heart and soul; it demands indissolubility and faithfulness in definitive
mutual giving; and it is open to fertility. In a word it is a question of the normal
characteristics of all natural conjugal love, but with a new significance which not only
purifies and strengthens them, but raises them to the extent of making them the
expression of specifically Christian values”

II. Different characteristics of conjugal love

1. Totality of spouses
 All the elements of the person (physical, emotional, spiritual, social
dimensions) are involved in the mutual love and self-giving of the spouses.
 Spouses should always respect and love each other as integral persons.

2. Exclusivity and Fidelity

 Because of the nature of the love of husband and wife, their love must be
exclusive for one another. There is a unity of heart and mind between
spouses that cannot be shared with others outside of the marriage.

3. Stability and Permanence

 The permanence and stability of marriage are means to higher ends: the
relationship and love of spouses and the care and education of children
 The Church believes that the stability and permanence of marriage is the proper
context for the intimate expression of conjugal love.

4. Open to procreation
 The love of spouses must be naturally open, in principle, to procreation.
 Not every conjugal act of intercourse would naturally result in conception but at
least the couple is called to be open to its possibility when it is appropriate.
 The Church urges spouses to exercise responsible parenthood in planning
their families

5. Respects the dignity of spouses

 Authentic love enacts what is truly best for the beloved.
 Conjugal love avoids anything that will hurt or harm the person that is loved.