Since its inception, Schoenstatt has held a special affection for families. In September 2022, while receiving the participants of the Schoenstatt Fathers’ General Chapter, Pope Francis recalled that faith is passed on, first and foremost, through families. He also offered words of encouragement: to move forward with “the courage to blaze new trails in the service of families.”
With this mission in their hearts, the Schoenstatt Family joyfully celebrates the launch of “YOUCAT Love Forever”, the new book from the YOUCAT Foundation that guides young people in reflecting on love, relationships, and marriage in the light of the Catholic faith.
A collaborative effort for the entire Church
True to the YOUCAT style—written by young people for young people—the book was developed by an international network of young Catholics, experienced marriage mentors, priests, and theologians. Young people from more than 30 countries shared their testimonies in the book. With gratitude, the Schoenstatt Family also offered its small contribution: couples from the Family Work and members of the Schoenstatt Youth participated in the process and have their comments published in this volume.
Honest answers to real questions
Using the question-and-answer format that has made YOUCAT famous worldwide, the book addresses the doubts, fears, and dreams of today’s young people. The topics range from desire and identity to conflicts and commitment and extend to marriage and the challenges of parenthood. The language is accessible and modern, yet the content remains faithful to the Church’s teaching, as set forth in documents such as Familiaris consortio, Deus caritas est, and Amoris Laetitia. The book was created in response to Pope Francis’s call in Amoris laetitia for more in-depth preparation for marriage and has received the Church’s official approval.
The book is intended for young adults, engaged couples preparing for marriage, and newlyweds, as well as pastoral workers, mentors, and those responsible for marriage preparation courses—and for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the sacrament of marriage. For this reason, it can be considered a “catechism of marriage” and serves as a valuable resource for youth groups, marriage preparation courses, and the accompaniment of couples carried out by the Schoenstatt Family Movement in so many countries.
Two Popes in One Book
For the first time, a YOUCAT book brings together texts from two Popes: an afterword by Pope Francis and a foreword written especially for this volume by Pope Leo XIV.
In the foreword, Pope Leo XIV addresses young people directly: “Your hearts yearn for love. A love that is deep, passionate, and lasting.” Inspired by Saint Augustine, whose heart appears on his coat of arms, the Holy Father reminds us that true love is not a fleeting feeling but “a profound ‘yes’ to the other, a decision, a path, and a covenant for life.” He also encourages: “Do not be afraid of its depth!”
The Pope concludes with a prayer that readers, like Mary, Mother of Beautiful Love, respond with confidence and courage “to the most beautiful of all vocations: the vocation to love.”
Presentation in Rome
The international presentation took place this Tuesday, October 6, at the Centro Internazionale Giovanile San Lorenzo in Rome, during an evening that brought together Church representatives, young collaborators, and those involved in the project, featuring Holy Mass, testimonies, and the presentation of the book and its preface. On Wednesday, October 7, during the general audience, a delegation from the YOUCAT Foundation presented the book to Pope Leo XIV, along with a special volume of testimonies.
May this book help many young people and couples discover that the love to which they have been called is a treasure, and may Schoenstatt, through its couples and its youth, continue to blaze trails in the service of families, united with the entire Church.
