Married with kids and pro-divorce

James Gatt

Apr 6th 2011, 01:14

Bravo Mr. Xuereb... that's a very long speech... But that's where my compliments end... Well maybe we do agree on something!

If you're suggesting one should learn in understanding what he/she reads... may I also suggest something else to the public in General? I'll use the below example where you said:

"We are how we're brought up. Chidlren kept in blissful ignorance and othesr witnessing daily violence (therefore, marriage candidate for divorce) are maimed for life. They'll repeat the pattern.continued"

MY suggestion???

SAY NO TO DIVORCE .. Why? Because (as even Mr. Xuereb is suggesting)... We are who we are brought up to be...Influences include..... not only the family.. but also friends.. relatives and colleagues. The more people start using divorce.... the more people start finding it convenient....... hence also suggesting... how difficult it would become to have Marriages between people who do not believe divorce is not an option.. EVEN FOR THEMSELVES (OR YOURSELVES! Oh and one last thing..... failed marriages could become a habit as well Mr. Xuereb... so Divorce is never the answer!!

Joe Xuereb

Apr 1st 2011, 15:02

2) We are how we're brought up. Chidlren kept in blissful ignorance and other unfortunates witnessing their parents' daily feuds (therefore, such marriages must be candidates for divorce) are maimed for life. They'll repeat the pattern. And a vicious circle of damaged people who'll continue setting up dysfunctional families, repeatedly, forever and ever. This is blatantly clear in the current 'Li Tkisser Sewwi' debacle. Bright (by definition, University students) being coached for a 'forever' commitment, one based on what, exactly?! Funny because they are being coached against something they'll have to do eventually but being indoctrinated to handle life's matters with kid-gloves, 'jaqbduh bil-karta nghidu bil-Malti'(handling stuff with tissue papers), on a poisonous diet of euphemisms. A Maltese speciality, this.

The Attorney General in the 'Li Tkisser Sewwi' appeal is not so much a hypocrite. Worse. He seems incapable of grasping a simple fact. Making of some four-letter words in the piece his stumbling block. For someone of the status of the AG, this is very disturbing indeed.

Joe Xuereb

Apr 1st 2011, 14:48

1)Thank you Grima, Matthew. Quite! Preaching to the converted, as we say. And that includes me and thee and that is good enough for me. It asserts what I (very capital i) and reaffirms what I am about. Mr. Mifsud and beautiful wife(y) - bless 'em - were quite clear in what they said and how they said it. Anybody 'choosing' to misrepresent them - pity! but that's their problem to resolve.
I've worked with 'children and families' on and off all my life and in various capacities (including an initial stab at teaching until I fled the country). I know there are many parents who believe that providing materially for the children make is for a good parenting. Others, in Malta particularly, go one further. They shield their children from life's unpleasantness, thereby conserving their 'innocence', their infantility, paradoxically, their vulnerablity (as my mum, a very ordinary womann, used to say: 'il-hazen tajjeb tkun tafu, hazin meta toprah' (loosely, it's good to be worldly-wise, bad to act out evil). *
We are how we're brought up. Chidlren kept in blissful ignorance and othesr witnessing daily violence (therefore, marriage candidate for divorce) are maimed for life. They'll repeat the pattern.continued

Joe Xuereb

Apr 1st 2011, 00:32

It would be useful for some to learn to understand what they read. Mr. Mifsud is being rightly tentative given the circumstance. He genuinely wants his marriage to last 'forever'. Nevertheless, he does say he is not against divorce and would certainly want it available to his children should their marriage fail when the time comes. He certainly did not say that he wants his children to get embroiled in failed marriages. Some are so blindingly-vehement in their insistence that they want Malta to be a shining example of 'good marriages'. They are oblivious to the fact that many 'good marriages' are sham. And there are many separations, co-habitees, annulments - all examples of failed marriages. But say Malta is a beacon of propriety for long enough and some will start to believe it is so in spite of much evidence to the contrary, selectively misunderstanding what they hear/read.
May I add.....if one is going to fret about Malta losing its sceptre of rectitude, I would suggest there are other things to fret about other than divorce, more pressing matters.
These are serious debates. Smart-ass knee-jerk responses betray a lack of spirit, a lack of conviction, of seriousness. Oh well!!

a.agius

Apr 1st 2011, 00:22

Our society can no more be described as `Malta Cattolica`. Ours is now a society made up of maltese born and bred in Malta who continue to withhold their catholic principles or not, naturalised and eligible voters who originated from the four winds of our planet who may not bind themselves by the teachings of the Church.

Divorce legislation introduces a third option for marriage failure which should not be denied. Parliamentarians who act on their christian conscience but should keep in mind that they are representing this wide spectrum within our society and in our electoral register and therefore legislate according to the will of the people. Otherwise, they better leave their parliamenty seat and join a religious order... They are representatives of a multicultural and diverse society

joe falzon

Mar 31st 2011, 22:15

/1 That is what I have pointed our in my reply that cathechesis is not about just divorce. It was Mr. Eugene Sapiano woh generalized and claimed that. In fact I have said (if you do not want to disregard them again) that they include many aspects relating to the respect to human dignity.
2. You also commented that Mr. Sapiano's point was incredibly clear. Same as Jesus' point regarding the indissolubilty of marriage is incredibly clear;
3. Quote: 'Besides how you can expect them to understand love and marriage, in their eyes it would just be mummy and daddy'.
Children are NOT taught the technicalities. They are taught the basic principles of the meaning of mutual love between parents: such as care and respect, Ony Mr. Sapiano is claiming otherwise that there is some sort of bombardment on children. (False idea) However, I do agree on part of your comment that if they don't see it at home, it is very difficult for them to understand. Cathecists try to help in this regard and that is another reason why love and respect in marriage need to be mentioned to realize that the world has the brighter side of it.

James Gatt

Mar 31st 2011, 21:57

Dear Mr. Xuereb..

I appreciate your encouraging and loving words.... apparently being a failed comedian makes me joyful :)

I really really, really thought about this... as you suggested.... and you know what? I'm still of the same opinion. I'll even go one step further. Mr. Mifsud lost his argument.... and so did you. You think that I'd want my children to Suffer Mr. Xuereb? I am sure that if Divorce is introduced in this historically beautiful Christian cultured society, this island will become infested with hatred and individualism.

Mr. Mifsud is is thankfully and rightfully so concerned about his children's future. But I stand strong in my belief and say again. Values like Love ... and especially that leading to Marriage are NOT things that can be boiled down to just one legal document. If the Mifsuds really believe in the power of Marriage.... they'd want .... at all costs... Marriage to be united for ever.... NOT ONLY THEIRS... BUT ALSO THEIR CHILDRENS'!!

carmelo xuereb

Mar 31st 2011, 21:50

Read some of the comments on divorce. Conclusion - we ordinary people have more wisdom than GOD.

joe falzon

Mar 31st 2011, 21:09

Part 3
Il-vangelu m’huwiex semplicement storja izda l-hajja taghna ta’ kuljum; kif nagixxu u kif nahsbuha fid-decizjonijiet, zghar jew kbar, tal-hajja taghna. Ahjar nghidu li ahna nsara bil-hajja taghna u billli nsewgu l-kelma ta’ Gesu kif inhi (bla mittiefsa) milli nghidu li ahna nsara bil-kliem biss. Jekk nghidu li ahna nsara u l-imgieba taghna ma tkunx taqbel mal-kelma u l-hajja ta’ Gesu’, ma nkunu qed naghmlu xejn tajjeb ghajr li ngibu konfuzjoni f’mohh in-nies dwar xi jfisser li tkun nisrani tassew. Dan ma jghoddx ghall-kwistjoni tad-divorzju biss izda ghall-kollox.

'Minn hawn kulhadd jaghraf li intom dixxipli tieghi jekk taghmlu dak li nghidilkhom JIEN.' qalillna Gesu'. Mela mhux jekk naghmlu dak li tghid id-dinja kollha; lanqas dak li jghid mohhna jew dak li nhossu bl-emozzjoni taghna; Mhux ghax m'ghandniex liberta li naghmlu dan izda ghax nemmnu (min verament jemmen) li l-Kelma t'Alla hi dik li ssalvana u dawl ghall-hajja taghna anke jekk ma nifhmux. 'X;jiswielu l-bniedem jekk jakkwista d-dinja kolha imbaghad jitlef ruhu?' Sejrin inbidlu tbatija ta' ftit snin ma' eternita?' Dan li ghidt qed nghidu ghalija wkoll l-ewwel wiehed.

joe falzon

Mar 31st 2011, 21:01

Part 2
Nibqa’ nhobb anke meta ma nistax nifhmek; anke meta tweggghani bi kliemek jew b’eghmilek; anke meta kulhadd ighidlek li d-dinja tissugerilek li tpatti; anke meta taf li hafna qed igibu ruhhom b’mod differenti; anke meta lill dak li tant kont thobb ghamillek hajtek infern. Gesu’ qalilna:’Min hawn kulhadd jaghraf li intom dixxpli tieghi jekk thobbu lil xulxin kif habbejtkhom jien’. Mela mhux semplicement stqarrija bil-fomm li ‘jien nisrani’ izda bil-fatti li jien ghax nisrani lest li nhobb lil marti jew lil zewgi inkondizzjonalment fit-tajjeb u l-hazin. Dik hija l-weghda u dik hija l-vera mhabba responsabbli. Irridu nitkellmu fuq imhabba responsabbli u mhux fuq divorzju responsabbli ghaliex dan ma jezistix izzewwaq kemm izzewwaq il-mistoqsija.

Minn diversi kummenti nindunaw kemm hemm insara li jitfandsu jekk tghidilhom li m’huwiex insara u bir-ragun ghax hadd m’ghandu dritt jiggudika lill hadd. Kulhadd izda donnu jixtieq ikun nisrani u jixbah lil Gesu’ fil-mumenti glorjuzi tieghu biss. Hadd donnu ma jrid li jixbah lil Gesu fil-mumenti tat-tbatija. Niftakru li kien is-salib ta’ Gesu’ li wassal ghall-glorja tal-qawmien Tieghu mill-mewt. Mhux dan il-misteru li qedin infakkru flimkien f’dawn il-jiem?! Jew dawn il-grajjiet ghalina huma semplicement tifkira storika?

joe falzon

Mar 31st 2011, 21:00

PART 1
Wiehed korrispondent staqsa: ‘ Jista’ xi hadd jiddefenixxi x’inhi l-imhabba?’
Ghandu ragun. Hemm hafna definizzjonijiet ghal hafna kwalitajiet bhal per ezempju il-manswetudni – li tahfer; l-umilta’ li ma titkabbarx; ecc … izda tassew x’inhija l-imhabba? Difficli biex issib definizzjoni ‘straightforward’ ta’ x’inhija l-imhabba izda normalment l-imhabba nispjegaw x’inhi mill-kwalitajiet taghha. Jien ghazilt li nikkwota lil San Pawl f’wahda mill-ittri tieghu li jispjega kif ghandha tkun l-imhabba.

L-imhabba taf tistabar; l-imhabba hi twajba, ma tghirx; l-imhabba ma tiftaharx, ma titkabbarx, ma tehux ghaliha, ma zzommx f’qalbha ghad-deni, ma tifrahx bid-dnewwa, imma tifrah bis-sewwa. KOLLOX TAGHDER, KOLLOX TAHFER u KOLLOX TITTAMA.

L-imhabba qatt ma tmut. (1 Korintin 12-13, 4)

Ghan-nisrani l-imhabba trid tun mibnija fuq l-ezempju ta’ Gesu’. Gesu’ habbna inkondzzjonalment. Ma habbniex ghax konna tajbin. Ma habbniex ghax tajnih xi haga lura. Izda habbna ghaliex ahna xbieha t’Alla nnifsu u bhala bnedmin xbieha t’Alla (kull bniedem hu xbieha t’Alla) Alla ried ihabbibna mill-gdid Mieghu permezz ta’ Ibnu Gesu’. Ghalhekk ghall-Kattolici z-zwieg huwa wkoll sagrament ghaliex irid jitfassal fuq l-istess imhabba li Gesu wera lejna.

joe Falzon

Mar 31st 2011, 14:26

@Eugene Sapiano
'I have heard that during religious lessons children are being bombarded with anti divorce propoganda and even to pray for their parents; is this an example?'

So what is exactly you point? Are you implying that the Church is to preach what you believe in instead of its Catholic beliefs? Are you implying that the Chucrh has no right to teach what is Good and wrong for our Children? or are you trying to encourage parents to stop sending their children to cathechesis?

Catholic lessons are about religion. There is NO secret at all that the Church teaches God's and Jesus' words. Marriage unity (indissolubility) is part of the Catholic Church cathechesis yes but NOT only. Cathechesis includes civil behaviour, unconditional love, forgiveness and so many other things related to the respect toward the human dignity. Is anything wrong in this if the Church proclaims what it believes in as it is duty bound to do.?

What is wrong in telling children to pray for their parents? I would feel very lucky if they tell them to pray for me. We all need God's help to lead a good life.

joe falzon

Mar 31st 2011, 14:03

@Joseph Gaffera
Joseph ...Those who are claiming that they are in favour of divorce may not necessarily be against Chirst as much as those who commit other sins may not necessarily be against Christ. It all depends on the particular circumstances of the individual (his conscience before God). However, divorce is definetly against Jesus' teaching for it is wriiten in the Scriptures that 'what God has united together, no man can put asunder.'

It is also a matter of fact that EVERYONE is a sinner in some way or another. The fact that people are sinners does not justify anyone to condemn others neither does it justify that I can also sin. Two wrongs doesn't make one right.

Quote: 'PRO CHRIST.? So, we are all going to hell, is it. '
Referring to your question. Going to hell does not depend on what other people say. Going to Hell or to Heaven depends on what WE decide. OUR deeds in relation to God and others are the testpaper for our judgement. God's commandments are our test paper. God gave us the examination paper. We know the questions. The result depends on what WE answer (and not others!)

eugene sapiano

Mar 31st 2011, 13:27

I have heard that during religious lessons children are being bombarded with anti divorce propoganda and even to pray for their parents; is this an example?

Joe Scerri

Mar 31st 2011, 12:45

Married with kids and pro-divorce - yes so am I , what's the big deal ?

Married with kids and pro-annulment - what's the difference? - zero

Married with kids and pro-cohabitation but anti-divorce - hypocrisy at it's best

anthony pace gouder

Mar 31st 2011, 12:13

The plain truth for the SAKE of clearification is :-

1) UNTIL the 12th Century AD , over eleven hundred years after Christ, marriage was purely a Civil Contract. and the Church or religion played no part in this partnership.

2) Jesus Christ,apparently never gave his Disciples ANY Authority to administer marriages. or its validity was restricted to ANY PARTICULAR ORGANIZATION's monopoly ..

3) Divorce was in practice since the time of Moses, God's chosen one , who enshrined Divorce in the Mosaic Law for the Chosen People of GOD. This was hundreds of years before Christ's life on Earth !

4)Christ never preached, proposed or declared divorce prohibition and abolishment .

Joe Xuereb

Mar 31st 2011, 12:05

@ James Gatt (it sounds like all the Gatts are coming out, one big happy family).
Gatt, you sound like one of those failed stand-up comedians delivering their flat one-liners in some backstreet pub in off-centre Huddersfield.
If Mr. Mifsud is at 'fault'.....il-bniedem jipproponi u alla jiddisponi (man proposes god blah blah). His heart is in the right place, he is speaking about how he feels today given his heartfelt commitment to his wife and children and home. BUT, he would not want a child of his to suffer when they're older and married. He would want them to have options. Now I see no contradiction there (of course he is not saying to the child NOW, 'when you're older and married I want there to be divorce for when your marriage fails'. No, not at all. He's merely thinking of the possible eventuality. In the meantime he is happily, thinking married man. Let's leave him be. Think, James, think!

M.Cassar

Mar 31st 2011, 11:36

Did anyone really stop and consider what will really happen in practical terms if divorce as is being proposed?

1. Separations and maintenance will remain as guaranteed as that are today (although some people are out to willful mislead on this point)
2. People will still apply for church and civil annulments - without the need to wait for 4 years.
3. If the church tribunal get off their ass and deliver a positive verdict within 4-5 years the separated couple will never apply for divorce.
4. The pogguti club membership numbers will obviously dwindle as people in favour of a stable marriage will remarry rather than co-habit.

With this scenario I really beg to ask what is all the fuss about? Definitely it's not about divorce.

Mark Mascari

Mar 31st 2011, 11:21

There are many comments here about how Catholics are against Divorce and say 'don't do unchristian things and expect the church to accept you"

Lets put it this way, if I was in a club or association or group of sorts and they do not accept me or my personal life, or they feel that I have gone against their values....I would simply leave.

When one considers the amount of paganistic christians we have in this country who go to sunday mass just cos "we have to" and not to really give thanks to the lord, you start thinking that christianity would be much much better with genuine catholic-living people!

The times where catholics must be the dominating force over all that may be is long expired !

I say what is more important to you? Being Catholic or being divorced? Do not worry, there are other religions who will accept your decisions (if religion is important to you) - the British have a few of them.

Lino Apap

Mar 31st 2011, 11:20

Finally a sensible and Christian declaration (unlike many statements appearing previously) from a mature couple with sixteen years of marriage behind them and three kids to boot! Compare this to the statements made by DJ Pierre who after 3 years of marriage claims that if divorce is introduced, he’d spend the rest of his life wondering how he’s going to remain with his wife Mireille or some other such rubbish.

I don’t know the Mifsuds but they come across as sincere so I cannot understand why so many “Christians” writing below have condemned them and even accused them of double standards because Mr. Mifsud said that while he would not revert to divorce himself, he does not want to prevent other people from doing so. Why is such a statement evidence of double standards? I though altruism was a Christian virtue! Some other Philistines accused the MIfsuds of misleading and misinforming their children because they are not teaching their kids against divorce. Some of these commentators even accused the Mifsuds of failing to give their children a “Christian” or “Catholic” upbringing.

I believe Christ referred to such commentators as whitewashed graves.

L. Sammut

Mar 31st 2011, 10:36

My husband and I are are a happily married, practising Catholic couple and we share the same views as this family. Being pro divorce means that one is open minded and is understanding better the needs of today's society.

Azzopardi Joseph

Mar 31st 2011, 07:38

Divorce...with or without it,couples will still split if they are not happy together.Divorce is just the solution to certain circumstances after seperation tooks place. One has to understand that if the divorce is legal in malta,it doesnt mean that for every argument in a family the divorce is the solution,never. But at the end im in favour of divorce.

Mario Muscat

Mar 31st 2011, 05:30

Reading several posts regarding divorce its like reading the bible, divorce is a civil matter.

If you need divorce - vote Yes

If you do not need divorce still vote Yes , remember that tomorrow yourself or a close family member might require this law.

If you still believe that divorce is bad , then by all means , vote No

I have been legally separated for over 21 years , our children are looking forward to the day they see us happily married.

gaffarena joseph

Mar 31st 2011, 05:11

PRO CHRIST?????
So, we who are pro divorce are against christ?
How come that in these days we are still thinking of those dark years that haunted all those that had an open mind.
PRO CHRIST.?
So, we are all going to hell, is it.
Pogguti,inngarzati,and so on,in these days are all being blessed by the church, as long as you are not a pro divorce.
Hearing all this makes me more feeling nearer to what our lord says, and more willing to vote YES FOR DIVORCE.

Raphael Dingli

Mar 31st 2011, 03:57

What a breathe of fresh air. Here is a truly Christian couple.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 31st 2011, 01:37

2)@Alfred Gatt. Allow me. Quote: 'Each person is responsible for his/her action........'. Contradiction of the week. Some will forbid others divorcing thus taking responsibility for the poor wretches' life. Is this what they teach at Faith Classes for Adults I wonder?
Quote: 'A practising catholic normally should.......'. Normal?! Don't even go there Alfred, we'll be here forever.
Quote (again from one Gatt - enjoying this!): 'a sacrament, which is indissoluble and lifetime tie'. what?! even one where the wife is being beaten and deprived of allsorts, caught in a downward spiral of physical pain and psychological humiliation affecting FOREVER even her children, naturally? You think this too is an indissoluble marriage, Gatt?
Quote: 'Hope they do not give the wrong Catholic teaching and example to their children'. Don't worry Alf, the children are being taught how a decent family operates. If the marriage were bad (ie warranting divorce but denied the option because of people like you), then the children would think that violence marriages normal. They'd inherit this poison and bequeath it to following generations. Still with me?
Marriage as indissoluble sacrament. What about millions worldwide, married ignorant of Christ. What about them?

What's it all about, Alfie? really?

Joe Xuereb

Mar 31st 2011, 01:04

1)@James Pace, what is more hellish than a violent marriage?
Many still speak of divorce like it were the reason marriages fail. Do yourselves a favour, think.
Maltese people's chattering is peppered with 'god forbid( this/that)'...alla (j)hares (as a kid I used to wonder what's this ghost(hares) they're on about). This is cultural. It betrays a terminal fatalistic attitude to life. It also shows that people bow to everything god 'says'
(understandably) and put everything in his hand. They are and remain infantile, never learning to take responsibility for their own actions........Alla hares qatt!
Someone said, god created marriage; it's there in the book of Genesis (note spelling). I don't read holy books as they contain too many loopholes for my liking. God wrote the book of G. or was it MERE people writing what they imagined was revealved? Comes unstuck somewhere; for me at any rate.
Can someone please define 'love'? Much talk of strengthening marriage but NEVER any(talk) of how, although 'Jesus-said-this-and-god-said-that' is frequent enough. I'm curious for more.
Refreshing to see happily married couples being pro-divorce. I imagine they're the ones who've learned to love maturely, with their heads, not their hearts(hearty love is Valentine's Day stuff).continued

James Gatt

Mar 31st 2011, 00:35

I don't believe Mr. and Mrs. Mifsud are fully aware of what they're saying. Also they're even not fully convinced about being pro-divorce.

Oh and by the way.... Mr. Mifsud.... I you're defeating your own argument!!

a) You're saying you'll never use divorce... but you are then not leading by example... cause You want your child to be able to divorce if he needs it.
b) It's offensive towards your own child to say that your child might need Divorce... whilst you'll never need it!

Chris Vidal

Mar 31st 2011, 00:23

why don't everyone mind his or her own business and leave others to live their life. it is clear here that religious people feel like they have some kind of mission like crusaders and want to impose what they think is good on others. If you believe in Christ, then Christ said other things that the church do not teach and emphasise on like for example that we are not supposed to take oaths...yet still nothing is said for the oaths given for nothing in courts, and even to cancel a TV licence. there are also serious consequencies of false oaths given in courts where a person can end up in jail. where are the religious people? Christ spoke against this when he was speaking against divorce.

jamie Pace

Mar 30th 2011, 22:41

@Mr. & Mrs Mrs Consiglio
Hi,
we are mariied and we have kids. We are AGAINST divorce and pro-Christ too.
Jamie and Marie

Alfred Gatt

Mar 30th 2011, 21:31

Unfortunately, Mr and Mrs Mifsud, do not know their catechism as marriage is not only a civil tie for the Catholic, but a sacrament, which is indissoluble and lifetime tie. I would suggest that they attend some adult faith lessons. A practising catholic normally should understand what he/she is practising. Feeling sorry for others is not a sufficient reason for voting for divorce. Each person is responsible for his/her action. A marriage commitment is a long life commitment and if one starts with the possibility of separating if things go wrong, the chances are that the cahnce will be taken. Hope they do not give the wrong Catholic teaching and example to their children.

Karl Consiglio

Mar 30th 2011, 20:49

Hi,
We are married with kids and pro-divorce too!!

Mr & Mrs Consiglio

Joe Xuereb

Mar 30th 2011, 20:17

Correction. Quoting myself (16hrs.31mins.ago): 'ALMOST FORTY YEARS AGO I WAS SITTING ON THE OFFICE RADIATOR WITH A YOUNG FEMALE COLLEAGUE, QUITE PLAIN, PLUMB AND ANCED'. For all those baffled by this strange word, ANCED. This of course should read acned, as in 'with acne/teenage spots/ta' l-izvilupp. Apologies! Take care of yourselves, and each other (as Jerry Springer the infamous talk-show host would say).

M. Cassar

Mar 30th 2011, 18:13

With a focus on what safeguards marriage, couple time, communication, work-life balance and sharing of family responsibilities, I am sure that Juliet and Michael have the best possibilities of staying happily married, despite the occasional hitches, which are, after all. a part of life. Like you we have a good marriage but feel it is cruel to condem anyone who, inspite of taking remedial action, cannot save the marriage. We have celebrated 26 years of marriage last year and hope for many more but are also pro-divorce.

martin farrugia

Mar 30th 2011, 17:12

@Eugen Sapiano
I agree with your point. This issue has nothing to do with politics. Same as well ... it has nothing to do with being good or bad European! Thank you. You are contradicting Joseph Muscat.

philip borg

Mar 30th 2011, 16:45

@S. Calleja Well ... we have already had quite a good number of sessions in Parliament discussing the type of question for the referendum (whether it is to be a generic one or a sugary one), are you now suggesting a different question? Or you want us to go for the referendum and answer your question instead of the real question? In that case, please prepare and print the ballot papers because it would definetley be financialy prohibitive for us to pay also for this. I don't know how on Earth many used to grumble about the Government's finances and now seem to have forgotten everything and want us to spend and spend and spend .

joe falzon

Mar 30th 2011, 16:29

@James Pace
I apologise for having been misunderstood.

The measures I was referring to are the judgements that many rush to do on others whether they are pro-divorce or anti-divorce. Having read quite a good number of explicit judgements such as "I bet the reason why there is so many locals contra divorce is because they fear they will end up on their own" and others like this coming from different quarters, made me feel really compelled to comment.

Definitely, I agree with you that divorce is prohibited by God himself as found in the Holy Scriptures. However my point was that we would be mal-treating others if we resort to judge and condemn those who do not conform to our religious beliefs. As much as divorce is bad and against God's will, it is also bad and against God's will to use our self-tailored measures (or other measures) to judge and condemn others.

In my humble opinion, we have to condemn the SIN but not the SINNER as Jesus actually did.

E.Schembri

Mar 30th 2011, 15:31

@ Tony Tabone

Why do you need that blessed document from the church???

If you believe in divorce, it is simple, disassociate your self from the catholic church!

This is what makes me sick, anti-church people attempting to get church approval for their anti-church behaviour!

If you have no faith in the church's teachings, become a protestant, muslin or atheist. No one is forcing you to be a catholic!! ...but don't cry because the church won't change is 2000 year old teachings for your sake! Grow up!

S. Calleja

Mar 30th 2011, 15:29

The Bible preaching against something is not good enough a reason to making it illegal (e.g. adultery is a case in point). If this were so we'd be living under a Catholic version of Sharia law. Thankfully many Catholics realise this, and practise their religion without expecting the state laws to cater just for them.

eugene sapiano

Mar 30th 2011, 13:20

Someone wrote down that Mr Mifsud is a Labour councillor for Gharghur; does that make any difference? I know Labourites who are against divorce and Nationalists who are pro divorce. I am also pro divorce and have been married for the last 26 years!

M Abela

Mar 30th 2011, 12:43

@ Ryan Falzon

"My point is that being a vegeterian you surely wouldn't go to eat at a steak house!
So no practicing Christian can be in favour of divorce!"

No, being a vegeterian, I would probably not go eat at a steak house, but I have no problem with other people going there, so I would not vote to close down all steak houses. Likewise, practising Roman Catholics should definitely not get divorced, but should not have a problem with other people doing so.

Matthew Farrugia

Mar 30th 2011, 12:40

Of course... I only wish I could follow that reasoning, I think I'd be much happier in life (after all, ignorance is bliss). I was preempting Joe Zammit's usual nonsense to save his breath and time - sorry to report it didn't work

Charles Grima

Mar 30th 2011, 12:04

Sooo..... 'Holy Orders' are a sacrament... and 'Marriage' is also a sacrament....

But.. but priests and nuns do leave the church, so in effect they are breaking a sacrament...

Doesn't that make all of you not wanting divorce, in a word, HYPOCRITES? I am including all you priests commenting...

That's a good one.. priests can defrock, but a couple who have had it up to their eyes with each other can't..

And you are telling Christians to vote NO to divorce, effectively telling problematic couples that they should not have what they want..... talk about turning the other cheek...or understanding.

Christopher Grech

Mar 30th 2011, 11:41

I wonder why the church and some people say that God says no to divorce!

Priests say that what God has bounded, man cannot unbind. But what if God allows the unbinding, as He often does?

The prime example is the Holy Family, when Mary was pregnant with Jesus. St. Joseph was to "Put away" Mary, which in Greek means divorce, and not to send them away, as some clerics/theologians claim.

Of course then an angel visited St. Joseph from divorcing Mary, as this was God's Will.

My message is not pro nor against divorce, but to example things from God's point of view, for a change.

Read the Bible, and this would eliminate a lot of "traditions of men" that Christ strongly condemns.

Wake up! The Bible does on one hand accept divorce, both in the Old and New Testaments, but ONLY under strict conditions, and not to be used lightly.

joe falzon

Mar 30th 2011, 09:40

Part 3
Every individual person is an individual world. So NO one has the prerogative of condemning others or pre-judicing others according to his limited dimensions.

Therefore it is best for everyone that we speak our hearts and minds in a civil way without prejudicing others or jumping to false conclusions. This applies to everyone including ME because I am also a sinner and need also God’s forgiveness.

Let me express Jesus’ words in Maltese:
‘Mill-ambundanza tal-qalb jitkellem il-fomm’ and I think that this sentence answers politely many questions that many have raised.

joe falzon

Mar 30th 2011, 09:39

Part 2
The community of believers is made of sinners. EVERYONE is a sinner; some are publicly known, others hypocrites and others ‘lucky to have escaped detection. Whatever the condition, we ARE all sinners and we all need God’s forgiveness. The moment we say that we are sinners is the moment we start our route towards God. (our salvation)

It would be a gross injustice and a very unchristian way if we start judging and condemning others for the simple reason that we know that their marital status does not conform to our beliefs or whatever. In one of his parables, Jesus told us how one of the Pharisee prayed to God and thanked him for not being evil like others; on the other hand, a publican prayed to God repentfully and prayed for forgiveness because he was a sinner; and Jesus said that the latter (the sinner) went home justified.

I have already explained that despite the fact that the Church is preaching against divorce and in favour of the indissolubility of marriage according to the word of God, but it is the same Church that proclaims God’s forgiveness.

joe falzon

Mar 30th 2011, 09:37

Part 1
The discussion on divorce is not about whom we’re going to condemn to hell or whom we’re going to send to Heaven. It is not about who is a saint or who is a sinner. It is not about who wins the battle and who loses it. It is not about who is the best and who is the worst. More and more, it is not about those who are the most arrogant to expose and prejudice others according to their measures. The discussion on divorce is about what is the best for our society and about our respect towards others’ opinions irrespective of disagreements.

I am against divorce. However, I can sincerely confess that the most comment that hurted me was the one pronounced by a foreigner (a divorcee) who said that she had to resort to go to Mass in another Church where she was convinced that people were unaware of her divorced state. Does this person believe or made to believe that she was a sinner and the others saints?

gcForte

Mar 30th 2011, 09:12

@ Kevin Cassar & Ray Gatt. Ghalhekk qeghedha tbezzani din il kwistjoni tad divorzju. Ghax qeghedin inhalltu ir RABTA TA ZEWG PERSUNI ma xi ezami tas somom, li jekk ma nghaddix ma ikun gara xejn nerga nghamlu anke ghal elf darba. Jew nghoqod id dar ghax nista nikser sieqi meta ninzel il bankina. Iz zwieg ma hux hekk hbieb........MIZ ZWIEG TA TNEJN JIDDEPENDU NIES OHRA. Ghalhekk jien XETTIKU bid divorzju, ghax ma hemmx u HADD ma jista itik garanzija li it tieni zwieg ser jirnexxi. Iz zwieg ma hux xi " washing machine " jew xi " fridge ", nitlob garanzijz ghal xi hames snin. Iz zwieg huwa rabta li ghalkemm jidher bejn tnejn, fil fatt ikun hemm hafna aktar nies involuti li iweggaw bit tkissir ta iz zwieg. L-aktar it tfal, specjalment meta ikun hemm tfal mil l-ewwel, mit tieni, u anke mit tielet zwieg. Jien dejjem tghallimt li zball ma jissewiex bi zball iehor. Jew.....b`zewg zbalji ma tghamilx wiehed tajjeb.........

James Pace

Mar 30th 2011, 08:48

If this couple claims to be Catholic then they must believe in the existance of heaven and hell as all other Christians denominations do. To remarry would be adultery. The sixth commandment forbids adultery. The Holy Bible is claimed to be the Word of God for all Christians. The Holy Bible states that adulterers will go to hell if they do not repent.

James Pace

Mar 30th 2011, 08:38

God says no to divorce. I love the way this couple bring God in to it. Jesus Christ said no to divorce. I quote "if my daughters marriage should fail God forbid why should I deny the right for my daughter to remarry?". Ths couple claim to be Catholic and are calling God a liar. It is written in scripture that adulterers will go to hell if they do not repent. These parents are doing a bad service to their children by not educating them in Christian Truth and saying it is Ok to remarry. Jesus Christ said it is adultery to divorce and remarry. These parents are going to put their children in eternal damnation!

Carmel Bezzina

Mar 30th 2011, 08:06

What strikes me most in this interview, is that Mr Mifsud, rightly so, claims that he will do everything he can to save his marriage, if God forbid, it breaks, but on the other hand he admits that marriage ends the moment the couple stops loving each other. Interestingly enough, many catholic couples choose St Paul's first letter to the Corinthians for their wedding mass where it is clearly stated that "love never fails". Do we believe this or not? I believe that in this issue of divorce we should consider what the teaching of the Catholic Church is for the simple reason that God created marriage, as it is clearly stated in the book of Genisis.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 30th 2011, 03:36

2) Many make the mistake, I feel, of expecting marriage to be a continuous honeymoon, heady and romantic. That is a sold product that bears little resemblance to the truth. Expect marriage to be a bed of roses and you're done for. Meaning, many people think there is no communication other than the one that's acted out in the bedroom. Wrong. Sex as a tool to communicate, a sort of communication currency, is a sure recipe for marriage failure.

ALMOST FORTY YEARS AGO I WAS SITTING ON THE OFFICE RADIATOR WITH A YOUNG FEMALE COLLEAGUE, QUITE PLAIN, PLUMB AND ANCED. BUT SENSIBLE . MAKING SMALL-TALK DURING THE LUNCH BREAK I ASKED HER WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS A 'GOOD' AND NECESSARY INGREDIENT FOR MARRIAGE. I EXPECTED HER TO SAY 'LOVE'. BUT NO! SHE SAID, 'IT'S WANTING TO BE MARRIED'. I WAS GREEN STILL AND A BIT BAFFLED BY THIS. I HAD TO WAIT FOR DECADES FOR THIS PIECE OF WISDOM FROM A YOUNG SOCIAL WORKER FROM AUSTRALIA, NAMED JUDITH TAYLOR, TO SINK IN. FUNNY HOW ONE REMEMBERS LITTLE DETAILS, SEEMINGLY OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE. Hi Judith! wherever you are!

Joe Xuereb

Mar 30th 2011, 03:21

1) Wonderful integrated couple and their thinking. It looks also that their children are central to their family (although I' do not believe children are a 'must'. Relationships can operate differenty depending on the setup - all valid provided the participants's hearts are in the right place.
I think one needs to understand the meaning of marital commitment. That, once married, one's social status changes radically. One minute the woman is carefree and single. The next she's married, now a wife, and possibly a mother not so long after that. At all times in our lives we need to be responsible to ourselves and those around us(family, siblings, peers). Once married, this continues with an added responsibility towards the chosen partner. Running a family/home is costly, hazardous and time-consuming. It's hard work. Once married, one's needs take a back seat and bonding with one's children is paramount (maybe men in particular need to learn more about this) as they're flesh and blood (whereas this bond between husband and wife is lacking - there is no blood tie).
continued

Fr Ivan Scicluna

Mar 30th 2011, 01:40

Finally, I would like to add also that, as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit is with the Church, leading it to the whole truth: "The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name - he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you" (John 14, 26). The Holy Spirit guides the Church in its interpretation of God's word today.

As St Ignatius of Loyola says, "between Christ our Lord, the Bridegroom, and the Church, His Bride, there is the same Spirit which governs and directs us for the salvation of our souls. Because by the same Spirit and our Lord Who gave the ten Commandments, our holy Mother the Church is directed and governed".

Now, if one is led in his faith and morals by the same Spirit Jesus shares with his Church, he cannot be in contradiction with the teachings of the Church.

In all I have said I do not intend to impose anything on anybody. I intend only to outline briefly the view of marriage as found in the Gospel and in the Church's magisterium. I do however expect Catholics to be coherent.

Fr Ivan Scicluna

Mar 30th 2011, 01:07

"Father, 2000 years ago Jesus disregarded the old Testament and introduced the Testament we have today. Why do you think he did that? Wasn’t He moving with the times?"

If Jesus was simply moving with the times, he would have blessed divorce. Divorce existed and was accepted among the Jews in Jesus times. On the contrary, Jesus' teaching on marriage and against divorce was radically innovative and went against the current and the culture of his times.

Jesus' teaching against divorce is part of that righteousness to which the Christian is called, a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees (see Mt 5, 20).

No God does not follow trends and fashions: "If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself" (2 Tim 2, 13). God is always true to Himself. He is not whimsical. We know what God thinks about divorce today because he revealed that to us in Christ who is his ultimate revelation: "Your every word is enduring; all your just edicts are forever" (Psalm 119, 160). "Though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word of our God stands forever" (Is 40, 8).

C Cini

Mar 30th 2011, 00:15

I wish to ask somthing to Mr & Mrs Mifsud. In your interview you contradict yourselves. Do you know? You do not wish to be seperated and get divorce. You find it somthing bad. But for othets its ok. Why it would be ok for and good for others? If your children get divorce they will be happy automatically? I wish to have an answer.

Fr Ivan Scicluna

Mar 30th 2011, 00:12

Kevin Cassar commented:
"What about Matthew 19 (16-22) which incidentally is in the same chapter in which Jesus responds to the question about divorce? Is that not also crystal clear? How many catholics do you know (including yourself) who take any notice of this? Cherry picking the bible is an easy task so please stop asking people to follow Jesus' teachings when you do not follow them yourself."

With regards to what is known as Matthew's "exceptive clause", see footnote 21 to Matthew 5, 31 at this link: http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew5.htm#foot21 (New American Bible, Website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

See also footnote 7 to Matthew 19, 9 at this link: http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew19.htm#foot6

Most biblical scholars agree that the Greek word "porneia" refers to unlawful incestuous relationships, not to adultery or unfaithfulness. Generally the word "moicheia" is used to refer to adultery.

Maria Muscat

Mar 29th 2011, 23:01

If all the anti-divorcists were so Catholic as they claim to be, number 1: why would they be so selfish as to hinder others from remarrying number? (is this what the catholic teachings are all about?) 2: why are these anti-divorcists so much against divorce when they should have nothing to fear if they are so happily married and lead a happy marriage? LIVE AND LET LIVE !

I bet reason why there is so many locals contra divorce is because they fear they will end up on their own. Very unfortuante that so many so-called catholics who claim to practice the religion, go to church regularly (well this looks good in the face of others) actually lead double lives...Such people would of course take a stand against divorce in fear that they end up having their respective wife/husband seeking divorce!! i bet half Malta would end up seeking divorce if divorce had to be introduced!

M Rizzo

Mar 29th 2011, 22:53

To all those self-righteous Catholics on this dicussion board who are saying that practising Catholics cannot express views in favour of the introduction of divorce: I can't help wondering... do you also abstain from the use of contraceptives? Come on now be honest!

R Busuttil

Mar 29th 2011, 22:48

Well said. Exactly my feelings.

I propose to the Yes camp that a petition be signed by all happily married couples who are in favour of divorce.

I am 44 years old, happily married for 7 years with two young children. And by the way, for all those who preach that a first divorce will lead to a second divorce, my wife is a foreign divorcee.

Alfred Cassar

Mar 29th 2011, 22:45

I tend to agree with what the Mifsud couple replied except some small exceptions, I am in their same situation, give and take.
I was almost convinced that I would vote yes in the referendum at first but having been cheated is such a way in the formulation of the cheater question like that, I am not convinced anymore.
Who will be guaranteeing the maintenance, how can you guarantee it? The only way is that the Government (i.e. the taxpayer, you and me) will make up for any short payments in maintenance. So taxpayers take care how to vote, there might be a day when you, as taxpayer, will be asked to pay more taxes to pay for someone else's failure to pay his dues. BEWARE. Who will guarantee that this will never happen. Any government, this or future, can use the excuse of the guarantee clause in the referendum question to legislate in favour of a form of govt guarantee for defaulting divorcees. Beware again, remember this before you go to vote

J Fava

Mar 29th 2011, 21:50

I is truly amazing how our thoughts and logical reasoning a dwindled by a club called the catholic church trying to combat an issue that does not effect them. Divorce will dissolve only state marriages and nothing more. The catholic club can go on and enjoy its glorious marriages of god and still they are interfering and bring jesus and a best selling man-written book called the bible to justify their answers. Please I tell the catholic club one thing - Stay out of issues concerning the State! Your presence in our society so far has only brought us negative results.

R. Muscat

Mar 29th 2011, 21:50

Finally a mature couple speaking with some sense !!!!.

Tony Tabone

Mar 29th 2011, 20:27

One should be free to vote for or against Divorce- I got married at the age of 48 and married a divorcee. Up to this day the church did not give me the document which I needed to prove that I was single status - simply because I was marrying a divorcee and a Protestant. I managed to get the single status document from the Public Registry but the Curia simply refused to give me this blessed document - I did not give up - so I got married in a Register Office in Stuttgart Germany. The Bishop told me that in the eyes of God I am not married!!! What is this!! So those who were given an annulment and got married again were given a second chance and I was never married before I was being denied for having the chance!! I have been happily married for 14 years. The church should let go once and for all and stop telling people what to do with their life. I will vote yes for divorce why not give others a second chance.

Robert Callus

Mar 29th 2011, 19:40

What a different and healthier attitude towards marriage than: “If the state had a divorce law it would be very easy for me to start getting nagging thoughts like: ‘Am I really going to spend all my life with Mireille?’ Every day I will start considering the option of divorce” Pierre Cordina. Well done, not only for the exemplary way you have treated your marriage but also for your respect towards those who either have been less fortunate or made some crucial mistakes in their past (who doesn't?)

Charles J. Buttigieg

Mar 29th 2011, 19:29

Father, 2000 years ago Jesus disregarded the old Testament and introduced the Testament we have today. Why do you think he did that? Wasn’t He moving with the times? The Catholic Inquisition used to kill sinners in the name of God,the Church is more full of mercy now. Now tell us how do you know what God thinks about divorce today not 2000 years ago.

Claude Lacoste

Mar 29th 2011, 18:53

Bravo ! Juliet and Michael Mifsud are Catholics, in the sense that I see : they are tolerants, mindful and attentive to others' problems.
They have an open mind and let to separated or unhappy couples, their free will, in matter of divorce.
And, also, they think to their childrens' future : this prove their love.

Josephine Campbell

Mar 29th 2011, 18:53

The Mifsuds are confusing something. The validity of marriage doesn't end when the relations between the couple break up. It doesn't give the green light to dissolve the marriage. A valid marriage, meaning that the couple gave themselves to each other freely and there were no other impediments, or other invalid reasons at the time of the marriage consent, only ends with the death of one of the spouses. A failed marriage is still valid, unless as stated further up. In marriage the spouses give themselves to each other, notwithstanding anything. In Catholicism, whose marriage failed has to stay 'single' until the other spouse is alive, if he/she wants to be in full union with the church to receive sacraments.

Ryan Falzon

Mar 29th 2011, 18:34

@M Abela,

You are right, imposing ones views is no good, but this applies to both pro and anti divorce campaigners.

My point is that being a vegeterian you surely wouldn't go to eat at a steak house!
So no practicing Christian can be in favour of divorce!

Kevin Cassar

Mar 29th 2011, 18:32

I understand you perfectly and agree totally with your position which is also mine. The main thing is freedom of choice which should be the right of everyone. No one has the right to decide for someone else, and no one has possession over someone else (not even in marriage). I am married to my wife but she is not my possession and I am not hers. Our marriage is a daily process of love that involves a daily effort to keep the relationship in shape with love, respect and fidelity. Those who oppose divorce want to have it easy (in my opinion) since they could treat their partner badly and hold him/her a "prisoner" in a dead marriage.

Adrian Mizzi

Mar 29th 2011, 18:30

They don't seem too much convinced of their decision in favour of divorce. And they do see divorce as a threat to their marriage - especially the husband. Read between the lines and notice their hesitation. I've still have to hear a convincing argument why divorce is beneficial to society. Still not believing children and sometimes the partners (having to support 2 families) will be better off - it's the lawyers who will benefit from this new law.

jacqui pace

Mar 29th 2011, 18:26

S Attard,loving someone is not a decision,it is an emotion,ie fall in love,and sadly sometimes fall out of love.This is what makes us human.You cannot decide to love someone.

James De Giorgio

Mar 29th 2011, 18:21

cheap shot by the pro-divorce lobby. If you're happily married you don't give a rod about divorce.

mario kmallia

Mar 29th 2011, 17:38

As I read through the comments posted, I couldn't help noticing how we fail to make the difference between the person and the idea. WHat difference does it make if the husband is a labour counsellor, an independent, a Catholic a non-Catholic? What next? Should we perhaps dissect the family tree in search of clues as to the couple's hidden agenda?

The argument does not make one a better counsellor or a better Catholic. The couple have made it clear that as Catholics, divorce is not an option for them. Great. They however feel they cannot impose their choice on others. Being in favour of divorce legislation does not make a person automatically anti-Catholic as much as being against does not necessarily a Catholic make. Their stance simply aims to respect the intelligence of people who are deemed capable of making their own decisions based on conviction not on imposition.
Let's please stick to the point. Hear them out. Restrict target shooting to clay pigeons.

Reginald Borg

Mar 29th 2011, 17:32

GOD DOES NOT AGREE WITH YOU!
THE CHURCH DOES NOT AGREE WITH YOU!
YOU ARE NOT ACTING ACCORDING TO GOD'S WILL (CONSULT GENESIS AND THE GOSPELS)!
THE SOCIAL EFFECTS OF DIVORCE DO NOT AGREE WITH YOUR REASONING!

MBorg

Mar 29th 2011, 17:20

Are these " married with kids and pro-divorce " couples part of the pro-divorce campaign ? How can anyone say " I am a practising Catholic but I am pro-divorce . No one can choose to be a part time Catholic. by believing some and denying some.

The Catholic Church teaches that it is against divorce and having Mr.& Mrs MUscat tell us differently does not change a thing.

How can they talk " openly to their son of 13 about their stand on divorce " and not realize that they are giving him the impression that marriage is something one can walk away form when needed Are they telling him that for Catholics marriage is forever ?

What is the agenda behind this interview ? I would have expected anyone to think twice before coming out in favour of the referndum question . In so doing they have admitted that they have been taken for a ride by this dishonest refrendum question. How else could they call the divorce being proposed " responsible " ? Custody is not taken care of, maintenance is not guaranteed, the four years separation do not exsit what is responsible about it ?

victor pulis

Mar 29th 2011, 17:20

J. Formosa(6 hours, 31 minutes ago)
Christianity is against divorce so no matter what you say those who are with Christ shall vote no. The church is not a supermarket where you go and choose what you like.

Wrong! Divorce is practiced in all the world's countries except for Malta and the Philippines.

victor pulis

Mar 29th 2011, 17:01

B. Cachia(4 hours, 42 minutes ago)
As true Catholics, we do not get divorced. However, we do not impose Catholicism on others either. So we do not prohibit divorce for them by law.
A Catholic is in no way called upon to impose Catholicism on others by law.

Has it ever crossed your mind that every time catholics baptise babies they are imposing catholicism on them?

Joseph Scicluna

Mar 29th 2011, 16:44

Children who suffer psychological problems – such as trauma over their parents divorcing – earn up to 30 per cent less than others when they grow up, a study revealed yesterday. It warned that psychological problems in childhood have a more severe long-term impact than physical conditions such as speech defects because they persist through life. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1370980/Divorce-trauma-children-earn-30-stable-home-children.html#ixzz1I03pKlHR. from to-days daily mail on line.

Daniel Schembri

Mar 29th 2011, 16:27

I was almost losing hope of having normal couples like Mr and Mrs Mifsud in Malta.
I hope this will help the anti divorce people understand better how divorce is a civil right first and foremost.

gcForte

Mar 29th 2011, 16:17

@ cbriffa on gcForte comment.......Ma nafx min qeghed jghejd il hmerijiet. Jiddispjacini jekk int qeghed/a involut/a .Pero beneficcji hemm hafna. Jekk ma tafx mur staqsi lil tas servizzi socjali, u dawn jghejdulek li hemm fost ohrajn...." Children`s allowance, suplimentari, tas " Single mother ", beneficcju tad dawl u l-ilma, beneficcju tal mard, ikel mil E.U. ghajnuna mis social workers. Fittex u staqsi . Illum saret il moda ( abbuz ) li ghanke jekk iz zwieg ma ikunx fallut, ir ragel isib indirizz iehor u wara li jifthemu imorru sal qorti igibu is separazzjoni ( nobody `s fault ) u parti minnhom tibbenifika min dawk il beneficcji li semmejt. Ovvja li fil ghaxija flimkien jorqdu. Barra min hekk, ghanke jekk iz zwieg ikun success, li trabbi it tfal hija dejjem iebsa, min kull naha.

Charles Grech

Mar 29th 2011, 16:13

Dear Joe Zammit and all who share your elusive doctrine; so is Annulment the other side of the coin. Divorce and Annulment have the same ending which is the diffusion of a sad / bad marriage. So Jesus Christ according to you, was wrong when he forgave Mary Magdalene and dissolved her from her sins (according to the bible) . The bottom line is that the Church stands to loose profit. Let's dissolve marriages and the problem of divorce is solved. Stop being arrogant people do not impose on those who suffer . Vote against if you feel so but do not impose and plant seeds in people's minds!

Dan Cohen

Mar 29th 2011, 16:00

Fight the good fight!

LEGALIZE DIVORCE!! There is no shame in no longer being happy and wanting out!

Henry S Pace

Mar 29th 2011, 15:56

Very cheap propaganda by the Pro Divorce group. They are using naïve people trying to convince the voters to say Yes in the forthcoming Referendum. Very unconvincing to use such people with ulterior motives. The Referendum Question is highly dishonest of its kind and all those MPs who voted in favour for this question seem to be politically malise.

S. Attard

Mar 29th 2011, 15:52

He said that a marriage is broken down when the couple stops loving each other, as if the couple stops loving each other just because something which they did not have control on happened. That is never the case. Love is a decision. When you TRUELY love someone, you have decided to do so. When you stop loving someone, you have decided to do so.

So if you want to divorce your partner, its just because you have decided to stop loving him/her.

Marthese Mussett

Mar 29th 2011, 15:45

Just what is the big deal...just introduce divorce...whoever wants to get divorced,can do so..and whoever does nt..they dont!As far as I m concerned I don t need it..but for those who would like to get divorced.....I m sure they will think about it before they decide...just live and live!

Joseph Borg

Mar 29th 2011, 15:35

Anqas bejniethom ma jaqblu il knisja....

The Irish Times 14th November 1995

"HE Bishop of Cork, Dr Michael Murphy, has become the first bishop to say that Catholics would not be condemned for voting Yes in the divorce referendum. We do not intend to frighten people."

Thursday 19th Aug 2010

A convinced Catholic who voted in favour of divorce would be going against Christ’s teachings and this was a sin, the Curia’s Pro-Vicar said during an interview on church radio RTK.

In a phone-in programme dedicated to divorce on Friday, Mgr Anton Gouder, however, noted that committing a sin did not mean people would be excommunicated from the Church.

29th January 2011

The Archbishop’s pro-vicar Anton Gouder has restated a stand by the Church that Catholics voting for divorce in a referendum “might not be committing a sin” if their decision had been well-reasoned.

IDDECIEDU!!!!

btw prosit lill familja Mifsud. Ma ghandkhomx min xhiex tisthu. Il veru nisrani mhuwiex dak li jmur fuq quddiem u jitla l-ewwel jitqarben imbghad tarah mohhu biex jaghmel id-deni lill haddiehor, jghid fuq in nies, jiggudika u jilhaq salib haddiehor...dak jaghmlu Alla wara mewtna....Il veru nisrani hu dak li jiprattika ir-religjon nisranija!

walter camilleri

Mar 29th 2011, 15:33

All trhese "holier-than-thou's" are tiresome. In Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5.31) Jesus was very specific. "He who puts away his wife SAVE ON ACCOUNT OF IMMORALITY causes her to commit adultery"

The same reasoning presumably wouold apply in thecase of the man's immorality. Or are Man and Woman not equal in the eyes of God?

What is immorality? Would wife-beating count as immorality, or does the Church count it as morally correct ? The concept that a mistreated woman should suffer for the common good for the rest of her married life is cruelty unworthy of a church that professes compassion.

Further, Holy Orders is a Sacrament as is Holy Matrimony, and the assumption that one is dissolubable while the other is not, is at best questionable.

Paul Barrett

Mar 29th 2011, 15:20

If your are an intelligent individual with compassion, ability to understanding the difficulties others can face and believe that individuals should be allowed to admit that they have made a mistake and therefore should have the freedom to repair the damage then you should vote yes to divorce legislation.

If you believe that once married, the spouse is used goods and should be treated as a second class individual, punished and never allowed to again enter society with head held up high in a legally recognised civil marriage then you should vote no to divorce legislation.

If you are a devout Catholic then divorce legislation and indeed the divorce question does not effect you one way or the other therefore you should abstain from voting.

Rose Farrugia

Mar 29th 2011, 15:15

All this couple is trying to do is to become famous for one day and have some notoriety......kemm haw min ihobb jidher fil-vojt jahasra.

Fr Ivan Scicluna

Mar 29th 2011, 15:11

Mr Mifsud said: "This is a completely secular issue and by voting in favour of divorce we are not in any way going against our religion”

For Christ's disciple, there is no sphere of life which can be excluded from the saving influence of the Good News. As Christians we are called to evangelise every sphere of life; we are called to 'season' every aspect of life with the Gospel.

Otherwise, how can we be "salt of the earth" and "light of the world"? The words "earth" and "world" stand for all that there is in the world and in society, including marriage.

Catholics are not Christians at one time and citizens at another. They are both Christians and citizens all the time.

The problem is that Maltese Catholics are not familiar with the Gospel. "Are you not misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God?" (Mk 12, 24)

Finally, I would like to add that the Good News of Jesus does not rob us of our freedom. On the contrary, it makes us free to love unconditionally - as He loves - without the shackles of our egoism.

R Borg

Mar 29th 2011, 15:05

If you are in favor of cohabitation, don’t vote for divorce, but if you are in favor of marriage vote for divorce, because with out divorce you cannot get married, you will have to COHABIT.

r abela

Mar 29th 2011, 15:05

and nowhere does the story say that he is a labour party councillor in gharghur

David Caruana

Mar 29th 2011, 15:02

Be a good Catholic,
help those in need,
VOTE YES FOR DIVORCE!

C scicluna

Mar 29th 2011, 14:54

jekk ma tafux it-taxpayer se jhallas ghal dawn id-divorzjati. mhux bizzejed ghanda is-single parents jixorbu min fuq dar il-poplu!

Joe Borg

Mar 29th 2011, 14:53

jien ma nafx kif il-maltin irnexxilna naslu sas seklu 21 ................. ghax mid-dehra ghad hawn min jghix fl-gherien

E. Farrugia

Mar 29th 2011, 14:50

the divorce issue is not about being Catholic or an Atheist, but one has to understand the social implications it will have. Had we been the first country to introduce divorce then I would understand the confusion but as many below said almost everywhere else in the world there is divorce, so we have the luxury to see other country's experiences, and I think the numbers speak for themselves. If divorce is introduced as a minority right like many are calling it I believe we would be respecting this minority but making life much harder for future generations.

and to all those that by thinking that voting for the introduction of divorce for the sake of others but not making use of it for themselves is being a good Catholic, I'm afraid these two things cannot be quite separated. If you consider yourself a Catholic you either stick by all the teachings of Christ and the Church or else simply choose some other denomination or religion you feel closer to.

Fr Ivan Scicluna

Mar 29th 2011, 14:50

Ok, Christ did not go against Moses, but He did go 'beyond' Moses. We Christians believe that the Son is the definitive revelation of the Father. Since Christ brings revelation to its fulfillment, his new interpretation of the Law 'surpasses' that of Moses: "It was said... but I say to you..." As Christians and Catholics we abide by Christ's new and definitive interpretation of the Law.

As Pope Benedict XVI says in "Jesus of Nazareth" vol. I, the 'I' of Jesus evidently refers to the claim that Jesus is equal to the Giver of the Law, that is to God. It is precisely due to his divine status that Jesus can reinterpret the Law and fulfill it. Jesus Christ Himself now constitutes the Law. He is the ultimate Word of God in person.

Jesus' position on marriage and against divorse is crystal clear in the Gospels. One cannot profess to be his follower and at the same time reject his word: "By their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven" (Mt 7,20-21).

N Abela

Mar 29th 2011, 14:44

thank god for couples like you who choose to see the truth and reality in today's life...unlike another 'couple' who tried to depict marriage all rosy rosy and soo perfect problem free!!! prosit keep it up...YES for divorce! YES to separating church matters from state matters!!

Kenneth Zammit

Mar 29th 2011, 14:44

If one sees a dead corpse it is useless not declaring it is actually dead.
I am well in favour of life but if someone dies then he is divorced from life ie "dead".
If a marrige has been broken its useless saying that it wasnt !

Let's stop hiding, becuase divorce or not marriages are still braking down! It is very egoistic to tell people who their marriges have been broken down possibly by others not to be given a better quality life with someone else because society is an egoistic crap.

Charles J. Buttigieg

Mar 29th 2011, 14:42

I had always refrained from indulging in a debate as to whether divorce is or isn’t sinful, my contention is that each and every person has a God’s given right for a free choice. I will definitely vote yes and would campaign for a positive vote. My yes vote will not be intended as just a yes for divorce legislation; it shall be a positive action for all the Maltese population to exercise their freedom of choice. Those against the legislation their lives would go on with or without the legislation. Those who think that they can change their miserable life with a divorce must also be allowed to exercise their freedom.

Emvic Debono

Mar 29th 2011, 14:31

Marriage is not a Commandment but a Sacrament, same as the Priest Hood.
Can a Priest divorce from Chruch? Yes.The problem is created by the Govt .It is a legal requirement to have divorce law.The parliament should have had the balls to pass it not put the onus on the public.The morality of getting divorced or work on the marriage rests with the individuals.No need for a referendum!!!

George Camilleri

Mar 29th 2011, 14:29

'The couple are practising Catholics but do not feel any less Catholic because of their pro-divorce stand'. Ah, designer Catholics!... how cool... how sweet!

J Farrugia

Mar 29th 2011, 14:05

Practicing catholics???? How can they be when they go against their same doctrine? They dont believe in God or in His Son Jesus Christ who said that Divorce is WRONG. How can they be catholics?? They are not catholics, they are just menu searchers, wanting the best of all options. This is not catholicism, but relativism. The type condemned by the catholic Church.

M Abela

Mar 29th 2011, 14:03

@ Ryan Falzon
"Also the Church is against divorce so you can't be a practising member of the church and then go against its rules...it makes no sense!
Everyone is free to do whatever he likes but you can't be part of something when you do not adhere or at least try to adhere to its rules."

Just because you choose to adhere to the rules of the Church, doesn't mean that you have to impose on others to do the same. This couple does not wish to divorce, but they are simply giving others the right to do so. If you were a vegeterian, would you insist that all restaurants stop serving meat, just because you don't eat it?

J Farrugia

Mar 29th 2011, 14:03

This couple should be ashamed of themselves. Teaching their kids that marraigne is not for ever. If tthey really love their family they should say NO to Divorce. Divorce destroys the family besides other consequences which bring up bad apples. If you truly love your family you should ALWAYS practice what you are preaching. NO TO DIVORCE. What God has united let no man whoever he is, destroy. Divorce is not an option in a family even if they quarrel. Who does not quarrel sometimes??? But Divorce is never the solution to such problems.

Joseph Zammit

Mar 29th 2011, 13:54

If you are a Catholic, you should never accept Divorce. Divorce goes against Jesus Christ teaching. Moreover it has been proved worldwide that the amount of broken marriages increase drastically where ever Divorce has been legalised. No one can deny this. The authorities should do their outmost to consolidate the unity of the family.

Salvu Felice Pace

Mar 29th 2011, 13:47

Since when has God's law been relegated to secular matters? The permanency of marriage has nothing to do with the Church. The Bishops only teach what they perceive through scriptures as God's own law.
Interesting though that Mr Mifsud at the very end of the article destroyed the whole thrust of the argument when he claimed that if his marriage were to break down he will carry on trying to save it. When divorce becomes law, his hopes of ever saving his marriage could be thwarted by his 'separated' wife against his consent.

M'Claire Vella

Mar 29th 2011, 13:38

The teachings of Christ and the Church are clear: anybody who divorces and remarries, in the eyes of God, is living a life of continuous ADULTERY because he/she is still married to the first spouse. So being pro-divorce means being in favour of this position. Anybody who is a practising Christian cannot declare himself as such and in the same breath advocate for divorce, as the Mifsuds are doing. One excludes the other. You cannot profess to belong to the Church and go against its teachings because you don't want to impose your beliefs on others. If you belong to the Church, you are automatically adopting Her teachings and you cannot pick and choose what doesn't suit your fancy.

A.Schembri

Mar 29th 2011, 13:37

What Selfisneass! Are thr publc to maintain so many siblings?

joe falzon

Mar 29th 2011, 13:30

@Louise Galea
'The God I know and the one I learn about is a God of love, forgiveness and acceptance.'

I fully concur with this statement. And it is for this reason that God is against divorce because he wants the married couple 'to love, FORGIVE and accept each other unconditionally' in good and bad times. This what God wants of a married couple to copy his example. Unconditional and responsible love and not responsible divorce (which is a fake).

I thank God that His logic as regards LOVE, RESPECT and ACCEPTANCE is the way it is and that is why Jesus (the son of God) told us to love each other as He LOVED US no matter the difficulties and sufferings.

Joe Borg

Mar 29th 2011, 13:19

"The couple are practising Catholics !!"

Not for long!

The rules of the game in being a Catholics does not include divorce.

MBorg

Mar 29th 2011, 13:12

" With divorce you are only undoing civil ties. This is a completely secular issue and by voting in favour of divorce we are not in any way going against our religion." Says you. and may I ask who or what gives you the authority to tell us what is right and what is wrong ?

The Catholic church is agianst divorce , so voting in favour of divorce is against your religion that is if you are practising Catholics, saying that divorce is a " secular issue " does not change the picture.

Calling the divorce being proposed as " responsible divorce " is just showing that you have been mislead into thinking that this divorce is different. There is nothing in this divorce which makes it different from any other divorce. Custody is not taken care of, maintenance is not guranteed, the four years separation do not mean a thing, so where is the resposible part ?

"But just imagine, God forbid, my daughter's marriage fails, why should; I deny my daughter the possibility of marrying again ? Here speaks a divorce mantality, your daughter is still young and you are already thinking that she might need divorce.

Joseph Borg

Mar 29th 2011, 13:02

I think it would make a more interesting article to show a separated couple who do not agree with divorce.

anthony pace gouder

Mar 29th 2011, 13:00

To all those here-under , especially Mr.M Said , who are mistakenly giving the impression that Jesus Christ spoke out against or condemned Divorce , I recommend they read :-

1) Matthew Chapter 5 verses 31-32. 2) http://www.religioustolerance.org/div_bibl.htm

Actually Christ ,even when tested by the Phareesees, clearly answered that Divorce in the Mosaic law , as set by Moses shold not be abused and adultery was the only VALID ground to dissolve marriage .

It is also worth noting that Marriage was INSTITUTED, and became valid , and defined as a secrament , by the CHURCH only in the 12th Century AD ! One thousand one hundred years after Christ .

vincent a galea

Mar 29th 2011, 12:52

Hemm xi ħaġa verament hażina fir-raġunamenti ta' dawk li ma' jridux id-divorzju:
ALLURA JEKK IKUN HAWN ID-DIVORZJU F'PAJJIŻNA - ALLURA KULLĦADD IKOLLU JIDDIVORZJA - IRID JEW MA' JRIDX ??!! DAN X'ĠENN HU ??? Teżisti xi ħaġa psikoloġikament ħażina żgur!
ĦALLUĦ LIL MIN IRID JIDDIVORZJA - SKUŻAWNI LI SE JKOLLI NĠHID HEKK "ILĦQU SALIBKHOM!!" GRAZZI !!........ INTKOM TIDDIVORZJAWX TA' ...

Victor Jacono

Mar 29th 2011, 12:49

I wish to thank Michael and Juliet Mifsud for coming out with reason and compassion on the issue of divorce law in Malta.
To J. Mifsud I have to point out that the Catholic Church is the sole author of Catholicism and the institution that exercises its authority in the interpretation of the teachings of Jesus, an authority that it exercises always in context.
Below excerpts from an article quoting a new publication by Benedict XVI:
"Con il suo annuncio Gesù ha realizzato un distacco della dimensione religiosa da quella politica, un distacco che ha cambiato il mondo e che veramente appartiene all'essenza della sua nuova via ... le due dimensioni - quella politica e quella religiosa - erano, appunto, assolutamente inseparabili l'una dall'altra". Su questo terreno si innesta "lo specifico interesse per il potere della dinastia di Anna e Caifa", i sommi sacerdoti. E nella decisione di mettere a morte Gesù, non pesò solo una preoccupazione politica, legata alla "legittima preoccupazione di tutelare il tempio e il popolo", ma anche "l'egoistica smania di potere da parte del gruppo dominante".
(http://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2011/03/10/news/papa_libro_anticipazioni-13415487/index.html?ref=search)

J.Mifsud and Maltese politicians please take note!

C.Dimech

Mar 29th 2011, 12:46

Why is it that every person who is pro divorce has a souond realistic argument and all those against divorce only manage scaremongering? NOW YOU WILL SEE WITH DIVORCE COMES MAYHEM, WE WILL RECREATE SODOM AND GOMMORAH. This couple presented a sound argument that one cannot fault on any level and express how many people who are pro divorce feel, we would never want to use it but it is a choice that one needs to feel free to make according to his/her conscience.

If the church is so scared about an increase in marriage breakdowns then they have little faith in the preperation they assure themselves every couple recieves before marriage.

Claudine Cassar

Mar 29th 2011, 12:45

I find the comments by the radical Catholics to be ludicrous. Divorce per se is not a sin - there is nothing sinful about ending a civil contract. In fact whenever Pope Benedict XVI spoke about divorce it was clear that what was sinful in his eyes was not divorcing but remarrying after a divorce (because this is considered adultery). Similarly it is sinful to co-habit with a lover after separating - something we know happens a lot in Malta.

It is perfectly feasible for a Catholic couple to believe in divorce. I for one have no problem stating that if my husband and I start loathing each other, I would divorce him and never re-marry. In the eyes of God i would be committing no sin, whether the radicals on this comment board like it or not.

Victor Laiviera

Mar 29th 2011, 12:44

Well said indeed. I agree totally with the views expressed in that video.

Like them, I do not need the relief of divorce, and I hope I never will. But I would not deny it to those who need it.

David Grima

Mar 29th 2011, 12:40

Comments from "real catholics" such as:

"you cant be catholic and in favour of divorce,"
"I wont vote for you next time round"
"hope I dont see you in church now"
"they are just hypocrits" etc etc etc.

dont irritate me at all. We know these people in everyday life and no matter how much we call them fundamentalists and backward etc, most of them mean no harm, and they "really" believe in what they say and will never understand that they would be doing the same thing if they were Muslims or Jews or whatever.

What irritates me is the that some prominent others, keep on hiding and do not engage in any reaction to this slippery slope towards the union of church and state. And all this, just to safeguard our contacts and circles of power, not to irritate our friends, business partners or sponsors, and party.

For once dont be shocked anymore at how certain people still believe in all kinds of fairy tales, but be shocked by your inability for a reaction and positive action towards things that once you too believed in.

jcassar

Mar 29th 2011, 12:35

If he really loves his children he should not be in favour of divorce, because his children will grow up in a divorce mentality and can meet partners that are pro-divorce.

Jason Xuereb

Mar 29th 2011, 12:35

FINALLY!! Thank you for a sincere, UNBIASED, honest and INTELLIGENT reasoning!!!

G. Borg

Mar 29th 2011, 12:33

To J Mifsud
Well said Mr Mifsud, the author of Catholicism, Jesus Christ, preached: "Dak li ghaqqad Alla mghandux jifirdu il-bniedem"
In my book, it mean that no priest, monsigneur , bishops etc do not have that power since they are not "Alla". In my book marriage annullments is a farce.
I do believe that a religious marriage is one that binds you for all time, but we are talking about a civil divorce following the break down of a a civil marriage.
And please, do not lecture about one's word, since there were priests who lost their vocation along the way and were granted permission to leave the priesthood. And that is good because I do not want any unhappy priests running around or perhaps living a double life !!!!
I believe that GOD gave me the gift of thinking and I use it wisely in order to help some other person/s who need my understanding.
Have a nice day.

Joe Micallef

Mar 29th 2011, 12:29

Mela la intom ok ma jimportax hux hekk li jidhol id-divorzju? Another attempt to persuade people that divorce is the way forward. It-tfal taghkhom sinjuri Mifsud x'dinja ser isibu issa la jidhol id-divorzju? Se jidhlu ghaz-zwieg bl-istess commitment li dhaltu ghalih intom? Ejja niefqu nilludu lil poplu li jezisti xi divorzju responsabli ghax bid-divorzju addio ir-responsabilta minn issa 'l quddiem, apparti li dan ser ikun ifisser izjed taxxi sabiex insostnu din l'assikurazzjoni u r-responsabli 'slogans'! Domanda semplici - allajbierek l-34 membru ta' l-opposizzjoni KOLLHA qablu mad-domanda li ma tispicca qatt u n-naha tal-gvern kwazi kollha ma qablux?

david debattista

Mar 29th 2011, 12:28

@ Nice to know that we have responsible married couples, well informed, realistic in their views, and willing to speak out . I ask all of you who are pro divorce to stand and speak out in a realistic and educated way . The times has come to let our voice be heard. Well done!

Joe Diacono

Mar 29th 2011, 12:22

We gave our promise to live our lives together, in sickness and in health, in richness and in poverty, for better or for worse till death do us part.
We have been through this adventure story for over thirty years, yes with all the challanges that married life brings aong with it. We have laughed, cried, disaggred, had difference of opinions, have totally different characters.
Yet are one. One in love, one in unity, one in everything we do and say.One with God . We have raised up five beautiful children who we love with all our hearts.

We went into the sacrement of marrage, knowing only too well the responsibilities this carries.
Divorce in our eyes only weakens this beautiful commitment and turns this into a farce.
A convienient way of releasing oneselves of ones commitment.

I cannot and will not judge anybody, everybody is free to his own opinion, just in the same way we are. Let us not break what is so dear and sacred in our families.

Divorse is not the solution but the creation of many other problems.

One look at another contries can easily see the results.

Gerard Cassar

Mar 29th 2011, 12:22

The Church is not using the power given to it in the person of Peter with regards to Divorce: "All that you tie in this world will be tied in Heaven, all that you untie in this world will be untied in heaven.(.Mathew XvI 19).
Why?
What's wrong with voting yes in the referendum? The answer must come from the Church not fro some sort of J.Zammit

GTonna

Mar 29th 2011, 12:14

A disruption of the society similar to the one which took place in the US may happen in Malta should divorce be introduce.
Worth reading this site -
http://www.wesjones.com/fukuyama.htm

Oscar Cassar

Mar 29th 2011, 11:56

Prosit Mr & Mrs Mifsud.

Fl-assenza tad-Divorzju f'Malta, is-separrazzjonijiet u l-Koabitazzjoni xorta qed jizdiedu. Il-Ligi tad-divorzju tassisti lil dawk li kienu vitma. Min irid jabbuza mis-sistema, diga qed jaghmel dan u mhux jistenna l-introduzzjoni tad-divorzju.

K Tabone

Mar 29th 2011, 11:50

Bravo!

Joe Zammit

Mar 29th 2011, 11:47

There is absolutely no compassion in divorce. Promoting divorce is promoting evil for the detriment of all people. What is harmful to all people is not compassion. Christ knows more than all of us what is good for us: he commanded us never to resort to divorce.

1. Divorce is a great injustice against God.

2. Divorce is a great injustice against the family

3. Divorce is a great injustice against the children

4. Divorce is a great injustice against society

5. Divorce is a great injustice against the spouses themselves.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!

C Muscat

Mar 29th 2011, 11:46

The issue of divorce is another mess by JPO. For myself, I do not know whether divorce will bring catastrofic results as some say or benefit to those that will be able to take another chance in life.
This issue in a civilised way should have been left to those that are really well versed especially because divorce has been introduced in so many countries.
To conclude my remark, we cannot mix civil marriage with sacramental marriage because the Church has every right to follow Christ's teachings and believers are christians out of their own free will. The issue is only about civil marriage which unfortunately touches everyone's life whether you are Catholic or not.
As thing stands, everyone has to vote according to his idea. I will vote no without any disrespect for those that like me (Blindfold) will vote otherwise.

Dominic Chircop

Mar 29th 2011, 11:42

Mr R E Saliba,

Are you in any way suggesting that those who will vote YES should not attend church /

Is this the official Curia line ?

Per haps the de facto Archbishop, or even the de jure one, may care to elaborate !!!

Matthew Farrugia

Mar 29th 2011, 11:35

Fight the good fight! The victory is guaranteed! PL and PN supporters will all vote against divorce! God is on our side!!!

Sorry Joe Zammit, beat you to it this time

joe falzon

Mar 29th 2011, 11:32

@R. Gauci
Li kieku Kristu kien hawn illum, kien jahsibha l-istess ghaliex Kristu Huwa Alla (wiehed mill-persuni tas-santissma Trinita') u Alla ma jinbidilx. Dan li jfisser meta nghidu li Alla huwa mmutabbli. Gesu' xorta jhobb lil KULHADD u ma jridx tbatija izda f'dan il-kaz il-gid komuni jipprevali bhalma f'self-defence war jipprevali l-gid komuni minkejja li dawk li jiddefendu l-pajjiz ikunu qed jirriskjaw hajjithom u jbatu. Bejn zewg affarijiet hziena , taghzel l-inqas wahda hazina. (Principju morali)

Taf kif jahsibha Gesu? Ghandek fil-Vangelu. 'Min irid jimxi warajja, jinhtieg li jichad lilu nnifsu jerfa' salibu ta' kuljum u jimxi warajja.' Is-salib, ma qalilnix biex naharbuh, izda biex ingorruh ghaliex huwa l-istess salib fil-hajja li jwassal lil bniedem ghall-glorja. U habib is-salib ma naghzluhx ahna ghaliex li kieku kulhadd wiehed tad-deheb jaghzel!

Hemm bzonn li n-nisrani jifhem ftit xi jfisser il-misteru tat-tbatija fil-hajja. Gesu' qalilna: 'Ejjew ghandi intom li tinsabu mtaqqalin u mhabbtin.' Ma qalilniex biex immorru ghand xi mara ohra jew ragel iehor biex insibu l-ferh ta' qalbna. Dak hu l-Vangelu ... joghgbok u ma joghgbokx.

Joseph Borg

Mar 29th 2011, 11:29

i am remembering ........... ALFA and OMEGA from the scriputres reading during the pentecoste mass celebration. it means everything earthly has a beggining and an end.

marriage between humans, at least those who are prone to making mistakes, is one earthly thing hwich has a beggining and an end.

we are taught that we learn through our mistakes, so we make mistakes, we learn and start afresh, shouldn't we? or would it be better to live in partnership and everyone goes his way once an incompatability is discovered? its an easy way out ..............

jimi Xerri

Mar 29th 2011, 11:26

Don't you think that the imposition problem should be seen in the reverse as in this case the minority are imposing on the majority!

jimi Xerri

Mar 29th 2011, 11:23

very much agree with your opinion.

Joe Frendo

Mar 29th 2011, 11:22

Dear Michael. Micallef, how about you state your real hidden agenda with this interview? How about you state you have been a PL activities from day one in your village and your real intentions are to be a candidate for PL. Free propaganda for a candidate by riding on such a sensitive issue.

You should keep sailing your hobby and let politics to the really professionals.

Alistair Galdes

Mar 29th 2011, 11:21

Dr.Fenech.M.D.
Jekk int kattoliku u ma tridx tissepara,xorta ma tistax tghid le ghas-separazzjoni,ghax xorta tista tigi imposta fuqek,trid u ma tridx. Dik il parti li ma riditx is-separazzjoni xorta tista tqerr u titqarben,sakemm ma tkunx f'relazzjoni permanenti li timpedija li taghmel dan. Ara one night stand jista jkollok kemm trid. Hawn hi l-ipokresija ,ghax ma jimpurtax jekk tkun tigri ma kull dublett jew qalziet li tara, basta ma tkunx relazzjoni permanenti. Anke bid-divorzju,tkun tista taghmel dan. Mela x'inhi id-differenza?
Rigward dak li ghidt dwar l' I.D.Card, jien jidhirli li anke jekk tkun separata ghandu jigi mnizzel dan. Dan ghas-semplici raguni li meta tkun separata li stat tieghek ikun imbidel. Anke in-next of kin tieghek ikun imbidel.
Meta int tivvota IVA tkun qed tirrikonoxxi id-dritt li ghandu jkun l-individwu stess li jiddeciedi dak li jirrigwardja lilu u mhux jiddeciedi ghalieh haddiehor.
Jekk jigi sfurzat u impost fuqek, dan jigi impost min naha ta' zewgek jew martek, u dan isir ghax iz-zwieg tieghek ikun tkisser. Din hi il-fiducja li ghandek int fiz-zwieg tieghek?
Rigward il-manteniment, jekk il-mara kienet unikament responsabbli ghat-tkissir taz-zwieg ghax qalbitha lill-zewgha, din sa fejn naf jien titlef kull dritt ta' manteniment. Ghalhekk ma jaghmilx sens dak li ghidt.

jcamilleri

Mar 29th 2011, 11:19

Who cares if they are happy. Good luck to them if they found pure relationship and loyalty. All they need is one of them to start cheating and definately it will be a different version ...
For those who are unfortunate in their marriage for so many other personal reasons have all the rights to find serenity in their lives and try another relationship and not thrown into a sin chamber. For all those who are anti-divorce but voted yes to join europe are in sin now because of their vote they brought divorce in the country and now say mea culpa :)

simon galea

Mar 29th 2011, 11:19

Well said Mr & Mrs Mifsud. There is no conflict between introduction of divorce and religion. I cannot understand how some try to link these two separate issues.
Divorce is an option for those whose marriage unfortunately is over and would like to start afresh. It is NOT an imposition. If this goes counter to one's beliefs he/she is 100% free not to refer to divorce.
The issue is all about tolerance. Personally I am a vegetarian and strongly believe in not eating meat but it will NEVER cross my mind to try to impose on others the right to eat meat. Advocating is one thing and imposing another.
The Catholic Church has the right to preach its principles/beliefs to its members, in this case telling its members not to refer to divorce once introduced. On the other hand, being an institution based on tolerance and respect, the Church should also teach its members to respect others and NOT impose anything on others and hence vote in favour of divorce.
Finally, a true believer acts out of persuasion and not imposition

j brincat

Mar 29th 2011, 11:15

@Dominic Chircop

Unfortunately in this country of ours everything is politicised. Didn't you see lately that even Eddie lately has come out of his hibernation to teach some catechism as if anyone asked for his opinion.

Many are quoting Jesus right, left and centre.. Little do these, however, mention that Jesus was forever forgiving and treated everyone with respect like one of his own family. He did not alienate and exclude anyone from his fold. In the end He promised his followers eternal life and not eternal damnation as many here are trying to imply to scare the wits out of those who do not share their opinion.

(JB)

Henry S Pace

Mar 29th 2011, 11:15

: The Church knows that we are living in a pluralistic society and that there should be space for a free debate among persons of different opinions. Everybody contributes according to his ideas or beliefs. The Church expects and urges those who profess to be its members, to contribute to this debate according to their Christian values as proclaimed by Our Lord Jesus Christ; otherwise they would be living a contradiction. The Archbishop would like to reiterate that the word “believers” implies that the person already believes in the truth, in our case the Christian truth, and strives to follow it.

Civil divorce is often man’s attempt to put asunder what God has joined together, and the Church knows that man does not have the power or authority to do this. The annulment process is simply the Church’s investigation into what looks like a marriage to determine whether a valid marriage really exists. If it does, the Church will not, indeed cannot, recognize another marriage. If, on the other hand, the Church finds that a valid marriage does not exist, then a new marriage, truly a first marriage (unless a valid previous marriage ended through death), may be celebrated.

Robert Caruana

Mar 29th 2011, 11:13

Actually I prefer Pierre and Mireille Cordina 's Living Room.

Henry S Pace

Mar 29th 2011, 11:05

'The couple are practising Catholics but do not feel any less Catholic because of their pro-divorce stand: “With divorce you are only undoing the civil ties. This is a completely secular issue and by voting in favour of divorce we are not in any way going against our religion,” said Mr Mifsud.' I really pity this couple because declaring thenselves as practising Catholics it does not mean that you have a right to do away with the Lord's teachings

This is what our beloved said in Archbishop Cremona The Times 19.03.11
The Church knows that we are living in a pluralistic society and that there should be space for a free debate among persons of different opinions. Everybody contributes according to his ideas or beliefs. The Church expects and urges those who profess to be its members, to contribute to this debate according to their Christian values as proclaimed by Our Lord Jesus Christ; otherwise they would be living a contradiction. The Archbishop would like to reiterate that the word “believers” implies that the person already believes in the truth, in our case the Christian truth, and strives to follow it.

Nobody can compromise with the Lord's teachings.

Henry S Pace

Mar 29th 2011, 10:59

'The couple are practising Catholics but do not feel any less Catholic because of their pro-divorce stand: “With divorce you are only undoing the civil ties. This is a completely secular issue and by voting in favour of divorce we are not in any way going against our religion,” said Mr Mifsud.' I really pity this couple because declaring thenselves as practising Catholics it does not mean that you have a right to do away with the Lord's teachings

This is what our beloved said in Archbishop Cremona The Times 19.03.11
The Church knows that we are living in a pluralistic society and that there should be space for a free debate among persons of different opinions. Everybody contributes according to his ideas or beliefs. The Church expects and urges those who profess to be its members, to contribute to this debate according to their Christian values as proclaimed by Our Lord Jesus Christ; otherwise they would be living a contradiction. The Archbishop would like to reiterate that the word “believers” implies that the person already believes in the truth, in our case the Christian truth, and strives to follow it.

Joe Zammit

Mar 29th 2011, 10:58

There is absolutely no compassion in divorce. Promoting divorce is promoting evil for the detriment of all people. What is harmful to all people is not compassion. Christ knows more than all of us what is good for us: he commanded us never to resort to divorce.

1. Divorce is a great injustice against God.

2. Divorce is a great injustice against the family

3. Divorce is a great injustice against the children

4. Divorce is a great injustice against society

5. Divorce is a great injustice against the spouses themselves.

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!

C. Camilleri

Mar 29th 2011, 10:56

Of course, everyone has the right for his opinion and not impose it on others. But please, those who are pro-divorce and not married yet, don't get the Holy Sacrament of marriage. Once you give your word infront on GOD, you have to abide to all the rules! (bil-Malti: ma tistax tkun bahri tal-bnazzi).

l.busuttil

Mar 29th 2011, 10:52

Ghal min semma l bibbja...kristu ma hadhiex kontra mose ghax dahhal id divorzju imma widdeb lil min juzah.

Ryan Falzon

Mar 29th 2011, 10:52

I cannot understand how a man which admits "If my marriage breaks I will keep on trying to save it.” and then is in favour of divorce! I totally agree with what he believes in as marriage needs a lot of work from both sides to try and make it work.

Also the Church is against divorce so you can't be a practising member of the church and then go against its rules...it makes no sense!

Everyone is free to do whatever he likes but you can't be part of something when you do not adhere or at least try to adhere to its rules.

Joe Micallef

Mar 29th 2011, 10:50

I am somewhat surprised how it is generally the pro-divorce movement that draws religion into the discussion, as if it wants to benefit and challenge the human instinct of non-conformity.

This piece and the blog also confirms my take that Maltese Catholics, myself included, are a bunch of a-la-carte Catholics dangerously verging on relativism.

Ramon Casha

Mar 29th 2011, 10:47

It's good to hear the views of a well-informed couple who are confident in the stability of their marriage.

Mario Scicluna

Mar 29th 2011, 10:44

Well said Michael and Juliet Mifsud!! At last, decent and honest comments from a couple that are genuine and whom truly show compassion and understanding to the minority of sufferers. DJ u Mirielle take note.

J. Mifsud

Mar 29th 2011, 10:40

Its plain and simple: if you are a practising Catholic you can't be in favour of divorce. Divorce is the opposite of what the author of Catholicism, Jesus Christ, preached: "Dak li ghaqqad Alla mghandux jifirdu il-bniedem"

Adrian Wirth

Mar 29th 2011, 10:38

In all the writings and pontifications over the pros and cons of divorce never once as far as I'm aware has the word TRUST come into the discussion. Perhaps both advocates and detractors of divorce might contemplate the implications of that word, TRUST. Before and during marriage a state of complete TRUST permeates everything in that marriage. Once TRUST is lost then marriage is lost and no amount of counselling, cajoaling, time wasting arbitrations, psyco-analysis or other social engineering platitudes will change that inevitability.

M. Cachia

Mar 29th 2011, 10:36

Reading some of the comments makes me more than convinced that we are truly living back in the Dark Ages! Some bloggers and for reasons best known to themselves, simply do not have it that the State & the Church are different entities! Divorce is a Civil Right available in almost all civilised modern countries!

When Malta joined the EU, it was already known that we were going to join a huge secular block and none of this nonsense was mentioned then. Where was the Church then! The introduction of Divorce is inevitable and comes with being part of living in 2011. The days of the Inquisition are over!

Re. Bondi+ of yesterday - what cheek to put up such a question for Tele Voting knowing quite well that it does not represent the proposed Divorce Bill Legislation! But perhaps, as usual Mr. Bondi has another agenda!

Raymond Bezzina

Mar 29th 2011, 10:32

Divorce would only increase the burden on tax payers, while cohabitation and children
out of wedlock are also likely to increase.

Mark Said

Mar 29th 2011, 10:32

''The couple are practising Catholics but do not feel any less Catholic because of their pro-divorce stand.'' I miserably fail to understand how a practising Catholic can, with a full and responsible conscience, be in favour of divorce and not feel any less Catholic! As true Catholics it is Hobson's choice: NO DIVORCE! Christ said it himself! So we either follow Christ or we renounce him! There can be no middle ways or any compromise! End of the story!

alfred calleja

Mar 29th 2011, 10:29

Il-manteniment u l-ispejjez kollha (sew jekk separazzjoni, coabitation,single mothers, divorzju, etc0 iridu jkun taghhom u mhux piz fuq l-istat. Dak kollu u mela kulhadd jghajjat li jrid hekk u jrid hekk imbaghad irid jaghmel dan bi flus haddiehor!

Lanqas f'kuntratt tal-propjeta ma jsir hekk ahseb u ara f'kuntratt permanenti bejn il-bnedmin. Jaqaw il-bniedem sar aghar minn bicca propjeta?!!

Alex Ciantar

Mar 29th 2011, 10:25

An exemplary couple in every way.........true Christians through and through

S.Micallef

Mar 29th 2011, 10:25

Who cares what Michael and Julia Mifsud think and who cares what Pierre and Mireille Cordina think????

Melissa Bagley

Mar 29th 2011, 10:23

True, marriage is an issue of the mnd and the heart. Once a couple stop loving each other, and irreversible, the marriage is over. It is an issue of 'divorcing' your spouse in your heart.

Seriously, the divorce issue we are discussing is only a legal formality - 'spouses' can live a legal married life, yet live as 'divorcees' in their hearts.

victor pulis

Mar 29th 2011, 10:22

And there are hundreds of couples like the Mifsuds. Well done for you level headed logic.

R. Gauci

Mar 29th 2011, 10:21

Attitudni Kristjana ta` veru, Kristjan ghandu jahseb f'haddiehor li qed ibati mhux jirraguna 'I'm OK .. Jack!' Jien dejjem nistaqsi fuq din tad-divorzju, kieku Kristu jghix illum kif kien jahsibha? Jhalli lil min ibati min taht id xi hadd kattiv u egoist l-aqwa li Hu qieghed tajjeb? Jew jaghti cans iehor biex xi hadd qed isofri jerga jhobb u jghix hajtu fil-paci? Fuq il-kurcifiss stess kien ta cans iehor lil kriminal fuq kollox. Pero l-Insara tal-lum ma jistghux jifhmu dan kollu sfortunatament ghax inghalqu go kaxxa u kieku Kristu kellu jerga jigi llum ikunu huma fuq quddiem li jergu jsallbuh ghax zgur ma jaqblux ma dak li jghidilhom.

gcForte

Mar 29th 2011, 10:21

Jien ilni mizzewweg 37 sena, u ghandi zewgt itfal. Nahseb li bhal kullhadd, kelli l- maltemp u il bnazzi, ma tul dan iz zmien kollu. Pero dejjem zammejt quddiem ghajnejja li iz zwieg huwa kuntratt, serju, li mhux kif tiltaqa mal " partner " tmur issib xi qassis u tghejdlu biex izewgek. Irid ikun hemm tfassil min qabel. Ghanke jekk hemm il bzonn li tghejxu ghal xi zmien flimkien. Qabel ma tiddeciedu ghat tfal tmorru tintrabtu biz zwieg civili. Jien ghadni xettiku fuq id divorzju, ghax nemmen li hadd ma jista itini garanzija li it tieni zwieg ser ikun success. Kemm huwa serju meta ikun hemm it tfal mil l-ewwel zwieg, li jitfarrak, u ikun hemm tfal ukoll mit tieni zwieg li ukoll jitfarrak. X`ser jigri wara ? nergaw nipruvaw ? Nemmen ukoll li mara separata, bil beneficcji , il mantniment li tiehu , u forsi iccekcek xi haga min taht l-anqas jaqblilha li terga tizzewweg sabiex terga tmur issefter lir ragel, waqt li jinqatalha kollox.

albert camilleri

Mar 29th 2011, 10:20

The Catholic Church does not proclaim Jesus' teaching for being popular. If it were the case, it would have been the easiest thing to do because there are so many things wanted and desired by so many people (good and bad, whatever). For example, there are those who claim that they should be allowed their freedom of expression to take drugs and claim that since it is only affecting them and not society, they should be permitted to do so. is this good? They won't be hurting anyone. Only themselves and it would be there deliberate decision. Of course, it is NOT good for society because the people know that this could very easily jeopardize and negatively affect the social and humar order. The common good prevails. And the Church preaches against drugs. Is this good? Of course it is good because what the Church is doing is giving prevalence to the common good of society.

Joanie Galea

Mar 29th 2011, 10:17

A very interesting interview with sense.. Well done to this couple and may God bless their marraige.

Dominic Chircop

Mar 29th 2011, 10:14

I wonder whether people who are commenting are really against divorce.

They seem more in favour of Gonzipn. They are actually mouthing gonzispeak !!!

Louise Galea

Mar 29th 2011, 10:11

If being Catholic means passing judgments like the ones I've read in the other comments, then I guess I've been going to the wrong masses and my God is very different from your God. The God I know and the one I learn about is a God of love, forgiveness and acceptance. He is a God who gives his children an infinity amount of chances and wants them to be happy. Being Christian is mostly about loving others especially those less fortunate than yourself, accepting everyone as they are and helping them when in need. Voting in favour of divorce is not a sin.

Most importantly divorce is not a religious issue it's a civil one. Since not everyone is holier than holy like the fellow commentators and not all of Malta is practicing Roman Catholic, the state should grant this right. This is not an imposed obligation. It is very simple... if you think your God will punish you for divorcing then don't. But stop imposing your beliefs on others and don't deny others their rights because they don't fit in your closed-minded mentality.

joe formosa

Mar 29th 2011, 10:10

Quote: 'With divorce you are only undoing the civil ties. This is a completely secular issue and by voting in favour of divorce we are not in any way going against our religion,” said Mr Mifsud.'

No you are not going against YOUR religion but it goes against Chirst''s teaching and the Catholic teachings (i.e the Catholic religion) which are absolutely different from your religion.
Your conscience seems to be based on what YOU feel and not on what should be, that is Christ's and God's words in this regard. This is what some call SELECTIVE CATHOLICISM where one selects what looks convenvient for him irrispective of what the church preaches and what Jesus says and by the way 'everybody has the right to happiness' you said (but please qualify the type) UNLESS his happiness does not interfere with the common good of society and human order. There many people out there claiming that they have right for happiness but at what expense?

Timmy Farrugia

Mar 29th 2011, 10:07

if only all happy couples were as unselfish as these two. they do not need it but they realise others could.

B.Storace

Mar 29th 2011, 10:04

I am pro-divorce simply because I believe that in a civilised world people should have a choice. As far as the catholic church is concerned divorce will always be frowned upon and those catholics who think for one second that the church will administer the sacraments IF they remarry...forget it. The church will NEVER accept that. However, once divorced and living singly then there is no reason to stop going to church and remain part of the flock. So the choice remains with the individual. Seperation or an anullment will have the same effect on the persons concerned and any offspring they might have. Nothing will change that even the church. But I understand that cohabitation is allowed; not frowned upon by anybody especially the state and that children born to these persons remain bastards. Fortunately, my marriage has lasted for more than 40 years in spite of the ups and downs and other upheavels encountered along the way.

Charles Micallef

Mar 29th 2011, 10:03

I hold exactly the same mentality and I am also very upset as to how some members of the House of Representatives decide to ignore the wishes of the people who elect them to represent their wishes in their first instance, because of their conscience, or so they claim!

Is it really their conscience or their political party's believes???

Mark Piscopo

Mar 29th 2011, 10:01

Well done to this couple. You have the values of Tolerance and Solidarity. May God Bless you. Thankyou for giving us the right.

ivan scicluna

Mar 29th 2011, 09:58

Some comments below smell of coming from fundamentalist catholics.They seem they do not know that the Catholic Church caters also for millions of divorsees after Pope John Paul II even dedicated a special letter explaining the place that these people should enjoy in the Catholic Church. The attitude of these type of fundamentalist catholics puts off practising catholics that are ready to give a second change to other catholics that failed in their first marriage and could not have the benefit of having it annulled by the Church itself. There's nothing wrong with being a Catholin and voting YES for divorce. And it's not a sin either!!

joe falzon

Mar 29th 2011, 09:57

Analysing the comments of this couple, it is evident that the view of this couple is fatalistic. They believe that marriage stops the moment a couple stops loving and respecting each other.

Are they implying that there is a definite impossibility of reconciling the separated parties together? As much as they are saying that they are a happy married couple, indirectly they are also saying that if anything happens in their relationship they won’t have the capability of reconciling again (that is why this is a fatalistic attitude) and resort for divorce.

Apart from religious arguments, are we seriously implying that the person is like a mechanical machine that once it stops, it doesn’t have the chance to start working again? Are we so static, fixed in our emotions that we exclude the possibility of loving each other again? Well, through experience I do not think so.

With separation, the couple closes the door to each other but at least there is HOPE and the POSSIBILITY of opening that same door again. With divorce the door is not just closed but LOCKED excluding the hope and the possibility to open it again irrispective if you change your opinion or not.

l.azzopardi

Mar 29th 2011, 09:54

Finally some level headed comments. I fully concur with your arguments. Well done!

Anton Portelli

Mar 29th 2011, 09:53

Prosit Mr and Mrs Zammit Cordina!!!!!!! For me you are truly Christian. That is how the catholics should behave if they want respect for their faith!!!!!!!!!!!

Richard Sammut

Mar 29th 2011, 09:51

Excellent!! ..well done!

Agree with you perfectly.. divorce is there to help people whose marriage has broken down...

The introduction of divorce will NOT lead to more broken down marriages!

R.E. Saliba

Mar 29th 2011, 09:49

This is like saying that they are vegetarians but don't mind the occasional piece of raw bacon.

The Mifsuds are welcome to their opinion but the article is completely wrong in stating that they are practising Catholics since the Roman Catholic church has a very clear anti-divorce stand.

The Mifsuds want to have their cake and eat it. They want to play Catholic but they don't want to follow the rules.

Will they be clapping and singing at mass next Sunday as well???

Stephen Mangion

Mar 29th 2011, 09:49

Its soooo funny how the media has to resort to these scams to convince people. Shut up and let the people decide.

Fenech MD

Mar 29th 2011, 09:48

Il-bierah fuq Bondi+ urtani hafna dak li qalet ic-chairperson tal-IVA ghad-divorzju, li ma jimpurtax jekk int kattoliku u ma tkunx trid tiddivorzja, meta r-ragel/mara tieghek tkun trid diddivorzjak. Dak li ma jkunx irid jiddivorzja, xorta jista' jitqarben etc. Ma qalitx li fuq l-ID Card jiktbulek Stat - Divorzjat/a, ma qalitx li d-divorzju ikun qed jigi sfurzat fuq min ma jridux. Mela sewwa sur Kappillan, jien irrid nivvota IVA ghax mhux sew incahhad lil dawk li jriduh, imma ma jimpurtax li jigi mpost fuqi jekk jien ma rridux!

Barraminnhekk, spjegat sewwa xi jridu jfissru biha meta qalu li l-manteniment huwa garantit.

Qalet li f'separazzjoni jigi deciz manteniment u dan huwa garantit. Imma meta jittiehed id-divorzju, il-koppja ma tibqax mizzewwga allura l-parti (il-bicca l-kbira jkun ir-ragel) li thallas il-manteniment, jista' jgib l-argument li la m' ghadhomx mizzewwgin, il-manteniment ma jibqax ihallsu. Bit-tip tad-divorzju li qed jigi pproponut Malta dan irid bilfors jibqa' jithallas.

Issa immagina - l-mara qalbitha lir-ragel u sseparaw. Jigi stabbilit li l-mara trid tiehu manteniment minghand ir-ragel. Il-mara tiddivorzja ghax trid tizzewweg lis-sieheb taghha. U R-RAGEL, IRID BILF0RS JIBQA JHALLAS IL-MANTENIMENT!! Dan ma jaghmilx sens!

Paul Baldacchino

Mar 29th 2011, 09:48

@M. Bezzina
I am sorry but real Catholics are tolerant and respectful. Why are we mixing in religion, this is not a religious matter. To bring up religion is manipulative to say the least. This has nothing to do with Religion, and as Catholics we should respect the choices of everyone. We have so far done so with many non-catholic teachings so why not also this.

we forgave single parent, gays, even pedophils but now we are going to wage a holy war on divorce. Shame on all those using GOD in this matter.

A.Mangion

Mar 29th 2011, 09:48

Way to go Michael - good people have good sense!

Ernest Vella

Mar 29th 2011, 09:47

Why they have the right for whatever opinion they want to have, I cannot understand how they call themselves practising catholics. Seems they know it long more than the One the follows. I will not put it on the religious but how can you call yourself practising Catholic and than go against the teachings of Jesus and of the Church.

It is truly a secular issue, and for that I consider that divorce will have a negative inpact on society, on children, on families, on those who are in the way for marriage, on myself. The idea that I cannot tell others what to do is non-sense for the simple reason that laws do tell people what they can and what they cannot do. Its an argument that can be easily be used on other issues, not just moral and ethical issues.

V.Cassar

Mar 29th 2011, 09:40

Well done to this couple - you speak my language perfectly.

I am happily married with two wonderful children. However ,unlike selfish ideological prats, just because my marriage was a success does not mean everyone is in the same position.

A vote for divorce is a vote for marriage not the other way around.

J magro

Mar 29th 2011, 09:35

Finally some sensible arguments

M. Bezzina

Mar 29th 2011, 09:27

Very good! So now we also know what position on divorce does one of the Labour Councillors in Gharghur has. This will influence my vote in the next local council election, so forget my vote, and pls do not come up staying at the front row in the church during festa times! Real Catholics are against divorce!

Jamie Caruana

Mar 29th 2011, 09:23

Of course it goes against your religion....if your religion is not Joseph Muscat or JPO!

J. Formosa

Mar 29th 2011, 09:21

This means they won't be seen at mass anymore since they are preaching something against Christ's teachings, or else if they do show up they are just hypocrites.