Feb 12, 2008 / 16:50 pm
The Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, expressed concern this week over the marriage crisis that is affecting Polish society and warned that the practice of cohabitation popular among young people is a pagan way of preparing for marriage.
In his Lenten pastoral letter, Cardinal Dziwisz—the former personal secretary of John Paul II—said “divorce and separation are a tragedy of wounded love” and he called on Poles to scrutinize the maturity of young people who present themselves for marriage.
The cardinal explained that many young people live together before marriage, often with the approval of their parents. “We must clarify that Christians cannot prepare for the sacrament of marriage in way that we must call pagan and that alters the natural order of things,” he said.
According to opinion polls, most Poles consider Lent an important period. 80% attend fewer parties during the season and 60% work on their personal conversion. At least half of those polled said they promise to be better during Lent.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA