Portugal: Pastoral note on marriage The Permanent Council of Portugal’s Bishops’ Conference (CEP) that convened this week in Fatima, analyzed the draft of a Pastoral Note that is planned to be issued soon. Father Manuel Morujão told the press that the document reaffirms “the centrality of the family and the sacrament of marriage as a union deriving from the love between man and woman”. “The bishops believe that any State initiative envisaging the possibility of granting rights to a human unit that is constituted on the basis of friendship and mutual support will need to have a legal definition that differs from that of the marriage and the family” – declared CEP secretary. “Equalizing same-gender unions would be an anthropological mistake with serious consequences upon the stability and consolidation of societies’ fundamental unit which is represented by the family constituted by man and woman united in perennial love and open to possible parenthood”. “To this regard” he added, “the Church’ opposition is extended to the possibility of adoption by homosexual couples which shouldn’t be viewed as a right, especially if it goes to the detriment of the child”. Padre Morujão concluded: “Portugal’s Catholic Church, and its bishops in particular, intends to actively cooperate within the realm of its responsibilities and province, to the erection of a free and democratic society, in full respect of diversity, giving fraternal reception to those who consider themselves homosexual and seeking the inclusion of everyone, without discrimination based on social, religious, cultural or gender -related motivation”.England: “celebrating the commitment” of marriage “Celebrating commitment”, is the theme of Marriage week, ongoing until February 14. Scheduled events include a Mass that will be celebrated tomorrow, February 14, in Cardiff by archbishop Peter Smith, along with the launch of the initiative “being committed” in the diocese of Westminster, aimed at helping parishes in marriage preparation courses. “While we acknowledge that at times marriage is more complex than we imagine, it is unquestionable that a culture which favours marriage bears crucial significance for married couples”, said bishop John Hine, who chairs the Marriage and Family Committee of the English Bishops’ Conference. “Couples who are on the same wave length are marked by implicit mutual moral support. This holds great value in difficult moments”. “This silent support is not as frequent in newly-married couples since the number of couples that publicly declare their mutual marriage commitment is decreasing”, he added. “As a Church our response to this state of things is not to criticise or attack. Rather, we believe that more effort should be placed in encouraging the development moral support that is currently lacking”. A recent report of the Anglican “Children’s society” on “Good childhood” revealed that good communication between parents promotes children’s emotional development. Hence the invitation to publicise organizations such as “Marriage Encounter” and “Teams of our lady” which provide support to couples.Belgium: “24 hours” for couples and the family “24 hours of love – love one another like I have loved you”. This is the initiative promoted by the parish of Arlon that will take place from Friday 13 to Saturday February 14. It is aimed at suggesting to the youth, to officially engaged couples and to families, different ways to live Christian love in their daily lives. The program envisages various moments for reflection, debate and prayer. This evening’s session will be opened by the address of the spokesperson of Belgium’s Bishops, abbot Eric de Beukelaer, on “the measure of love”, and will continue with meetings for engaged and young couples on “marriage the good news”, an ‘aux flambeaux’ procession for children over 12, and ongoing night adoration. During the 24 hours of the initiative it will be possible for couples and families to have private colloquiums. Material and documents on marriage, the family and Christian love will be put on display. More information is available on the website www.saint-martin-arlon.be.
