The University of Notre Dame Australia ResearchOnline@ND Theses 2018 How do the writings of Pope Benedict XVI on "transformation" apply to a couple's growth in holiness in sacramental marriage? Houda Jilwan The University of Notre Dame Australia Follow this and additional works at: https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses Part of the Religion Commons COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Copyright Regulations 1969 WARNING The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further copying or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act. Do not remove this notice. Publication Details Jilwan, H. (2018). How do the writings of Pope Benedict XVI on "transformation" apply to a couple's growth in holiness in sacramental marriage? (Master of Philosophy (School of Philosophy and Theology)). University of Notre Dame Australia. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/194 This dissertation/thesis is brought to you by ResearchOnline@ND. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of ResearchOnline@ND. For more information, please contact [email protected]. HOW DO THE WRITINGS OF POPE BENEDICT XVI ON “TRANSFORMATION” APPLY TO A COUPLE’S GROWTH IN HOLINESS IN SACRAMENTAL MARRIAGE? Houda Jilwan A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Philosophy School of Philosophy and Theology The University of Notre Dame Australia 2018 Table of Contents Introduction................................................................................................................................ 1 Chapter 1: The universal call to holiness .................................................................................. 11 1.1 Meaning of holiness ..................................................................................................... 11 1.2 A quick overview of the universal call to holiness in Scripture and Tradition ................... 12 1.2.1 Vatican II and the universal call to holiness ............................................................ 14 1.2.2 Holiness and grace................................................................................................ 18 1.2.3 Holiness and the sacrament of reconciliation .......................................................... 19 1.2.4 Holiness and the Eucharist .................................................................................... 21 1.2.5 Holiness and prayer .............................................................................................. 23 1.2.6 Holiness and suffering .......................................................................................... 24 1.2.7 Holiness and work ................................................................................................ 25 1.2.8 Holiness and virtues.............................................................................................. 26 1.3 The universal call to holiness in practice........................................................................ 28 1.3.1 Opus Dei and the universal call to holiness ............................................................. 28 1.3.2 Catholic Action and the universal call to holiness ................................................... 30 1.3.3 Saints who lived the universal call to holiness ........................................................ 33 1.4 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 36 Chapter 2: Sacramental marriage............................................................................................. 38 2.1 The three goods of marriage ......................................................................................... 38 2.2 An overview of marriage based on Gaudium et Spes ...................................................... 40 2.3 Marriage as a sacrament ............................................................................................... 42 2.4 The participation of Christian marriage in the spousal relationship of Christ and the ........ Church ....................................................................................................................... 46 2.5 Grace in sacramental marriage ...................................................................................... 49 2.5.1 The Holy Spirit and marriage ................................................................................ 50 2.5.2 The Eucharist and marriage ................................................................................... 52 2.5.3 The sacrament of reconciliation and marriage ......................................................... 53 2.5.4 Prayer and the power of the Cross in marriage ........................................................ 54 2.5.5 The importance of cooperation with grace .............................................................. 55 2.6 Chastity in marriage ..................................................................................................... 56 2.7 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 58 Chapter 3: Transformation in the writings of Pope Benedict XVI ............................................ 60 3.1 The theme of “transformation” in the writings of Pope Benedict XVI ............................. 60 3.2 Transformation, faith and conversion ............................................................................ 64 3.3 Following Christ in order to be transformed by him ....................................................... 68 3.4 Transformation and the mystery of the Cross ................................................................. 71 3.5 The effect of transformation on relationships ................................................................. 73 3.6 Theological context of Pope Benedict XVI’s thought on ‘transformation’........................ 75 3.6.1 The continuity of his thought ................................................................................. 75 3.6.2 The contribution of Pope Benedict XVI’s writings on transformation to sacramental marriage............................................................................................................... 79 3.7 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 81 Chapter 4: “Transformation” as applied to a couple’s growth in holiness in sacramental marriage ................................................................................................................ 83 4.1 The unused talent hidden in the field ............................................................................. 83 4.2 The writings of Pope Benedict XVI on “transformation”: a precious treasure for Christian spouses .......................................................................................................................... 85 4.3 Christian spouses encounter Christ by following him ..................................................... 88 4.4 The significance of the spiritual provisions. ................................................................... 90 4.4.1 The power of prayer in the life of Christian spouses ................................................ 91 4.4.2 Meditation on the word of God: a natural accompaniment to prayer for married ........... couples ................................................................................................................ 92 4.4.3 The sacrament of reconciliation: an indispensable source of holiness in marriage ...... 93 4.4.4 The Eucharist: the source of Christian marriage ...................................................... 95 4.5 Commitment to prayer and the sacraments: a key to following Christ wholeheartedly ...... 97 4.6 The effects of following Christ to be transformed by him on the holiness and lives of Christian spouses ............................................................................................................ 99 4.6.1 Growing in virtue ................................................................................................. 99 4.6.2 Growing in friendship and affection for each other.................................................102 4.6.3 Growing in unity and fidelity................................................................................103 4.6.4 Growing in sexual intimacy ..................................................................................105 4.6.5 Sanctifying work .................................................................................................106 4.6.6 Embracing the mystery of the Cross......................................................................107 4.6.7 Bearing fruit through a true apostolate ..................................................................108 4.7 When only one spouse is open to the transforming encounter with Christ .......................109 4.8 The relevance of Pope Benedict XVI’s contribution on transformation to some other types of couples who are married sacramentally. ..........................................................................111 4.9 Mary: a great guide and intercessor for married couples who seek transformation in ............ Christ .........................................................................................................................112 4.10 Conclusion .................................................................................................................113