There are many worthy causes in the world, so why should one consider spending time and talents to help strengthen marriage? Cicero gave a good answer some 2000 years ago when he said: "The first bond of society is marriage." He seems to have had it right! Marriage is the foundation of the family, and the family is the foundation of society. If we strengthen marriage, we strengthen the family, we strengthen the children and we strengthen the community.

With this in mind, the Cana Movement recently inaugurated a new project which seeks to reinforce its commitment to help strengthen marriage and the family in Maltese society. In this respect, a series of discussions are being held, every first Thursday of the month, dealing with various topics related to the main theme: Żwieġ b'Saħħtu (strong marriage). On January 8, 2009, the guest speakers were two Members of Parliament: Edwin Vassallo, chairman of the Social Affairs Committee and Carmelo Abela, Deputy Speaker, who were invited to present an analysis, from a Christian sociological perspective, of how society affects contemporary marriage and the family.

Some recent sociological studies on marriage and family behaviour reveal that, over the past few years, a casual attitude towards the marital relationship seems to have been growing. Besides this, there has been an inclination towards more individualisation among members within the same family: one can no longer consider the family to be a whole "unit" but rather a group of individuals, each with their own aspirations. Why is this happening? What are the realities that have contributed to this change in the values which are inherent in man by virtue of natural law?

These questions were tackled by both speakers from different standpoints. Mr Vassallo presented several factors which in his opinion have contributed to this phenomenon, among them an ever-growing mentality which is pro-divorce, rampant sexuality and the fact that modern man seems to have lost all sense of responsibility in every sphere of life.

For his part, Mr Abela emphasised diverse economic factors which affect families and which contribute to the many problems that married couples encounter in their daily lives. He recommended the implementation of a "family impact assessment", aimed at easing unnecessary financial burdens, which put undue pressure on the marital relationship.

Both speakers insisted on the necessity of committing to serious measures, at all levels of society, regarding the future of the Maltese family; while in the process, making some valuable suggestions as to how these may be implemented.

Another seminar in the series Żwieġ b'Saħħtu will be held between 7 and 8.30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, at Sala Mons. Gonzi, Catholic Institute, Floriana, where three guests, Gejtu Vella, Tony Zarb and Joe Farrugia, will discuss work and the family. The public is invited to attend.