Editorial

The growing number of marriage breakdowns and separations, the rise in the number of cohabiting (and thus not fully committed) couples, the increase in the number of children born out of wedlock or to single mothers - we are talking about Malta here - makes for a pessimistic outlook on the future of marriage and the family, rightly considered to be the bedrock of Maltese society.

Yet, rather than wringing our hands in despair, we should look at ways to strengthen these two institutions, calling on the resources of both Church and State.

For, as our latest public opinion shows, the Maltese still overwhelmingly believe that marriage is an indissoluble union, i.e. for life. It is a view shared by over 85 per cent of those we surveyed. And, for 91.7 per cent, marriage is only that contracted between a man and a woman.

Yet, for almost half of our respondents, Maltese couples are still inadequately prepared for marriage, despite the long-established and obligatory Cana Movement courses, which an overwhelming majority considers not only necessary, but essential. Indeed, it is the failure of the couple, or of one of the parties, to consider marriage as a lifelong commitment that is the root-cause of so many marital separations.

The decline of spiritual values, which can help couples face and overcome together any problems which come their way, is obviously to blame; but so are the financial pressures caused by the repayment of hefty mortgages on the home, and the depiction of an amoral lifestyle (which considers marital fidelity as an anachronism, rather than the norm), spread by the various forms of mass communications, showing it as something desirable.

Financial pressure, which our respondents not surprisingly indicated as the leading cause of marriage breakdown, means that both husband and wife have to be gainfully employed. In turn this means less quality time together (another cause of breakdown) and putting marital fidelity under greater strain.

On the other hand, the large majority of marriages in Malta have survived so far, and this is attributed, again not surprisingly, to religious values, reciprocal respect and fidelity. And loving couples in a lasting relationship are obviously an example to their children and grandchildren.

The world today is different from what it was merely a generation ago - more affluent, to be sure, but also more prone to pressures and living for the moment. Hence society must respond to the new situation and the new pressures it brings along.

One obvious way of doing this is for Government to step up its support for the Cana Movement, which provides marriage preparation courses and marriage counselling. Not so long ago we were told that Cana may have to curtail its services because of lack of financial support. It is in the interest of the government to help Cana, because it is the national interest to have a stable society, based on that most stabilising of elements - the family.

It is also in the interest of the Church to help the Cana Movement not only maintain but also expand its services. As our survey found out, people expect the Church to provide more counselling services and more character-formation facilities, and to be much closer to the needs of Maltese families.

To shield families from the pressures of modern life, Government is urged to give them more tax relief (especially by helping young couples meet their mortgage payments), to provide more child centres (thus making it easier for mothers to work) and to give some financial recognition to mothers who decide to stay at home to look after their young children.

Government too is urged to provide marriage counselling services and to stress character formation. Only by concretely helping families, and therefore marriages, to survive can Maltese society counter the harmful effects of the "drug" of amoral lifestyles, especially those of screen and pop idols, incessantly beamed into our homes - and mistakenly held up as models.

Growing affluence has meant that the concept of "sacrifice" is becoming increasingly alien, especially to the younger generations. But preparing to "sacrifice" oneself for one's lifelong partner and for one's family, is also part of the marriage commitment. Yet marriage and the family can also be a source of joy which, happily, many couples still consider them to be. It is therefore the duty of State, Church and society to safeguard their future.