In his time, the world knew Pope Pius XII for his sanctity, his efforts for world peace, his remarkable gifts of diplomacy, language and letters. But there was another side to this holy Pope who found time to address scores of newlyweds who came to seek his blessing on their marriages. This is the Pius XII who is revealed in Dear Newlyweds.
Dear Newlyweds should be placed in the hands of every newly-married couple. It is a book to read, ponder, cherish, and be guided by, all through married life. Newlywed, married, and engaged couples will be inspired and uplifted by Pius XII�s explanation of Matrimony and his insight into the practical problems of everyday marriage. Dear Newlyweds is a book to turn to again and again. It is a sure guide as new difficulties arise�problems of discipline in the rearing of children, temptations against fidelity, relationships with elderly parents, and much more!
Dear Newlyweds combines the solid doctrine of the Roman Magisterium with the pastoral touch of the Angelic shepherd himself. It is Catholic truth digested and perfectly fitted to those who need it most. It is not a haphazard collection of talks, but forms a complete course on Catholic married life.
The Venerable Pope Pius XII (Latin: Pius PP. XII; Italian: Pio XII), born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli, reigned as Pope, head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State, from 2 March 1939 until his death in 1958.
Before election to the papacy, Pacelli served as secretary of the Department of Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs, papal nuncio and Cardinal Secretary of State, in which capacity he worked to conclude treaties with European and Latin American nations, most notably the Reichskonkordat with Nazi Germany. His leadership of the Catholic Church during World War II remains the subject of continued historical controversy.
After the war, Pius XII contributed to the rebuilding of Europe, and advocated peace and reconciliation, including lenient policies toward vanquished nations and the unification of Europe. The Church, flourishing in the West, experienced severe persecution and mass deportations of Catholic clergy in the East. In light of his protests, and his involvement in the Italian elections of 1948, he became known as a staunch opponent of communism.
Pius XII explicitly invoked ex cathedra papal infallibility with the dogma of the Assumption of Mary in his 1950 Apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus. His magisterium includes almost 1,000 addresses and radio broadcasts. His forty-one encyclicals include Mystici Corporis, the Church as the Body of Christ; Mediator Dei on liturgy reform; Humani Generis on the Church's position on theology and evolution. He eliminated the Italian majority in the College of Cardinals in 1946.
A great book... very simple- it consists of short speeches so the material does not go too in-depth, but it is very refreshing on the topic of marriage. A good book when you can only sit down to read a few minutes at a time as each "chapter" (or talk) is only a few pages. The subject matter and verbage (sp?) is so uplifting. The Pope reveals a very thoughtful, reflective, joyful mind and personality... often musing on allegories to nature, almost as poetry does.
This book is compiled of several speeches addressed to married couples on their wedding day by Pope Pius XII. The guidance he gives to these young couples who came to him for his special blessing is full of wisdom and love.
Though addressed to newlyweds, these letters of Pope Pius XII are valuable even to those preparing for Marriage. Easier digested than an encyclical, His Holiness' words in translation show a poetic quality to his preaching. He presents the realities of marriage, the joys and the sorrows, without sidestepping the hard issues such as separation, absence, and the real demands of a Christian marriage. Pius XII points also to the glories of the Sacrament and gives much to ponder when preparing for marriage or starting the rest of forever.
The gentle words and wise challenges of Pope Pius XII are a must-read for all married couples and those preparing for marriage. As we seem to increasingly lose touch with the root and meaning of marriage in our world today, Pope Pius offers a stalwart and timeless perspective on the joys, hardships, and noble undertaking of true Christian marriage. Read it, then read it again. There’s so much goodness to chew on for years to come!