Comadres, compadres y mas: Latina Theological Commentary One on Papa Francisco’s Amoris Laetitia
Papa Francisco:
“Friends and other families are part of this larger family, as well as communities of families who support one another in their difficulties, their social commitments and their faith.” #AmorisLaetitia (196)
Synod of Bishops:
"We are thinking of mothers and fathers, grandparents, brothers and sisters, immediate and distant relatives and the bonding of two families at every wedding." (5)
"These cultures and respect for each’s unique characteristics is important to bear in mind." (91)
Latina Theological Brief Commentary:
How interesting to take these various statements and continue to think about the role of madrinas, padrinos, compadres, comadres, compamadres which bond not only at weddings but at baptisms, quinceañeras, etc. These are the outward labelings of already extant extended created and chosen familial bonds which have existed for a significant period of time. For more on this concept see Gary Riebe-Estrella, "Pueblo as Church" in Orlando Espin and Miguel H. Diaz, From the Heart of Our People . Orbis Books, 1999.