Editorial

The Gozo diocese’s decision to set up a family therapy clinic so that couples facing difficulty in their marriage would find what Gozo Bishop Mario Grech described as “the medicine that heals them” is most welcome.

The initiative appears to follow in the footsteps of the Archdiocese’s Cana Movement which, for so many years now, has been striving not only to present marriage as a relationship which is lifelong, faithful and open to life but also to help people prepare for marriage, to work with couples and families so that they grow in life, enjoy stability and to stand by couples and individuals when they are facing difficulties in their marriage. In other words, doing something concretely to strengthen the family.

Mgr Grech broke the news of the family therapy clinic in a pastoral letter about solidarity to commemorate the Assumption of Our Lady. He said the clinic will be a response to the cry for help by a number of couples who are facing difficulties that are putting the stability of their marriage and their family at risk.

Speaking on what is required by a kind of solidarity that is not simply an act of charity but, rather, a way of life, the Bishop of Gozo made a very inspiring and down-to-earth statement: “Solidarity requires us to offer solutions that heal wounds and help couples regain stability rather than instigate division among married couples.” A Christian’s behaviour in front of such human tragedies, Mgr Grech continued, “should not be one of condemnation and disdain”.

The fragility of the marital bond has become a notable feature of the contemporary world. It spares no continent and is present at every level of society. It makes societies fragile. All too often, it leads to numerous breakdowns with their catastrophic consequences.

Many families – one can safely say they are the majority – live in a firm and faithful union. Yet, also in our midst, there are families in crisis. There are certain difficulties that frequently lead to real friction and conflicts. There are marriages and families that end up facing real turbu­­lence. Nobody can deny that certain families experience trials, sometimes very painful ones.

The Church, which firmly maintains the principle of the indissolubility of marriage, knows this very well. It also knows that, consequently, it must spare no effort in its commitment to support and surround with the greatest affection families facing painful situations. It wants to help couples avoid giving up without a struggle. Its message to them is that a strong faith might enable them to overcome even serious difficulties.

The Church expects its bishops, among other things, to recall to both parents their responsibility for their children, reminding them that their children’s happiness must have a central place in their lives. It also expects them to prudently point out to them that marriage breakdowns destroy a way of life without doing away with responsibility because parents continue to be responsible for their children whatever happens.

Mgr Grech’s new initiative springs from these duties and his responsibility, as a bishop, to encourage couples in their commitment to fidelity, in their concern to give themselves to one another and to invite them to mutual forgiveness.