Dear friends:

Some articles have recently been published in the press suggesting that I am advocating divorce, which is clearly against Catholic teachings and my own convictions.

I would therefore like to clarify this point. The Bible is very clear. Jesus says, "God made them male and female;for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. Therefore let no man separate what God has joined."

I have never advised or encouraged a husband and wife to seek divorce. I always tell couples having trouble to pray - alone and together as a family.

If we pray, our hearts become clean, and we are filled with the love of God - love that gives without counting the cost; love that is tender and compassionate; love that forgives. A love always unites. It does not divide.

The family that prays together stays together; and if you stay together, you will love one another with the same love with which God loves each one of us.

Love begins in the family.

Peace begins in the family. Where there is love, there is unity, peace and joy.

Let us pray for all married couples, especially for those experiencing problems in their marriage, that they may become one heart full of love in the heart of God.

Let us pray. God bless you.