Learning to Love: in the School of John Paul II and Benedict XVI

Livio Melina

Translated by Joel Wallace

Paperback

Publication Date: Mid July

ISBN: 978-1-921421-82-2


Blessed John Paul II wrote in his first encyclical, "Nothing is as important to know as love..." In the truth written into the heart of each person is found an intimate call to the "gift of self" revealed fully in Christ. Learning to love at the School of John Paul II and Benedict XVI is a profound introduction to that "theology of love" which lies at the heart of the Christian Faith. In this beautiful little book, Professor Livio Melina places the reader at the feet of Pope John Paul II and his successor, Pope Benedict XVI to learn the "fascinating beauty" of human love. At this "school of love", one is drawn to the human mystery, since "Christ reveals man to himself and makes known to him his sublime calling".

"Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction". Learning
to love at the School of John Paul II and Benedict XVI invites the reader to encounter in Christ himself the beauty of human love. This turns out to be a search for the truth of love inscribed into the very heart of the person.

Livio Melina is a priest who was born at Adria, Italy, 18th August, 1952. He is the Ordinary Professor of moral theology at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies and has been President of the Institute since 2006. He initiated and directs the Area of Research on fundamental moral theology which has been active since 1997. A member of the Pontifical Academy of Theology, he is the scientific director for the journal Anthropotes and collaborates in the production of various other journals such as Communio, The Thomist, La Scuola Cattolica, Medicina e Morale, La Società, Il Nuovo Areopago, Logos and Synesis.

Fr Joel Wallace is a priest of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga. He is currently doctoring in Sacred Theology with the Pontifical John Paul II Institute, Rome.
_________________________________

“Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction". Learning to love at the School of John Paul II and Benedict XVI invites the reader to encounter the beauty of human love through the person of Jesus Christ, through His life and teachings. This turns out to be a search for the truth of love inscribed into the very heart of every person.
- George Cardinal Pell, Archbishop of Sydney

With superb clarity and warmth, Msgr. Melina edifies and inspires. Exploring the greatest teachers of our time—John Paul II and Benedict XVI—Msgr. Melina takes the Church’s hopeful verdict on love to a new depth: not only is authentic love possible through faith, but it is more beautiful, more transcendent, more personal and more realistic than previously understood.  Learning to Love is a masterpiece, a message every heart is ready for.
- Prof. Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus