The Bolivian Episcopal Conference presents new marriage formation and accompaniment program

The Family Pastoral section of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference has introduced the second stage of a proposal titled "Catechumenal Itineraries for Married Life." The initiative seeks to replace short marriage preparation talks with a continuous process of formation and pastoral accompaniment for couples before, during, and after their wedding. The project follows guidelines from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and the teaching of Pope Francis.

The curriculum is organized into several phases. The pre-catechumenal phase focuses on children, adolescents, and young people through nine topics regarding identity, baptism, and the vocation of marriage. Father Radoslaw Slowik of the Apostolic Vicariate of Ñuflo de Chávez noted that this stage aims to plant the sense of vocation at an early age.

An intermediate phase is designed for engaged couples and those discerning marriage. Lucina Fuentes of the Diocese of El Alto stated that this stage prioritizes the encounter with Jesus within the couple and emphasizes the sacrament over sociocultural customs. The catechumenal phase includes a proximate stage for committed couples, which covers 13 topics to provide formation in the faith.