Kohabitacja jako wyzwanie duszpasterskie

Abstract

Cohabitation has recently acquired the status of an alternative to marriage and family life. Two people of different sex live together as husband and wife but, although unhampered, do not contract marriage. In the Polish reality, living without establishing any relationship which would impose the duty of coping the basic social and moral responsibility, becomes more and more popular. Such a situation is a serious challenge faced by the ministry as the priests are expected to present a Christian marriage as a relationship based on the unconditional love and goodwill of the spouses. A tentative relationship does not guarantee a success in establishing a strong and steady contractual marriage because it does not satisfy the condition of the total giving oneself to the other person. The nature of a tentative relationship, in which the proper well-being of the partners is not taken into account, is against the substantial principle of marriage. The Church teaches about the nature of a Christian marriage - as constituted by God and. therefore, being sacramentai in essence. What is particularly stressed in regard to a Christian marriage is its worth and dignity, as well as the benefits and blessings which, through the marital bliss, are given to the family and to the whole society. The people who are responsive for the preparations of a young couple for their future maritai life, play a difficult and very significant role. The challenge the ministry faces is mainly educating people to make them understand the supernatural and timeless value of a Christian marriage.