Marriage and the family in the thought and ministry of Bishop Mario Grech (2006 – 2020)

Abstract

Marriage and the family have always been central to Bishop Mario Grech’s thought and ministry. The family is crucial because it lies at the foundations of society and moulds both the present and the future of the Church. Society is pivoted upon healthy marriages and families. Grech defines the nature and essence of marriage in society and expresses his concerns. Society has evolved throughout the years and made leaps forward. Yet, moral values have deteriorated. The repercussion is manifested not only in the couple’s relationship but also in the upbringing of the children. The Maltese family needs the loving arms of God as a point of reference and to achieve peace of mind. Married life is a self-gratuitous act and is therefore a self-offering. It should imitate the love that Christ has for the Church, which is a vehicle of grace. The Cross of Christ is what couples should cling to, this being the definition of an Agape Love. Christ is the couple’s prime model. The Domestic Church cultivates values within the family. Grech underlines the huge responsibility and influence couples have upon their children. Children are ultimately free gifts of God. The Family of Nazareth is indeed the key role model of the Maltese family and ought to be mirrored daily at the places of work as well as during quality time at home. The sacrament of marriage is intimate, exclusive and indissoluble. It is a covenant and a gift from God given to man. The work of the mother is indispensable and essential in the lives of the children and should be therefore acknowledged as such in society. The Church’s mission is essentially that of a mother herself, a teacher, a listener and an encourager. The Church acknowledges today’s challenges and accompanies anyone in the light of the Gospel.