| Abstract [eng] |
There have been more changes in the institute of marriage in the world in the last fifty years than in the last millennium. In common and continental law countries, marriage and family have long been identical concepts. Only a heterosexual couple and their children could create a full-fledged family. Pre-marital cohabitation, postponement of marriages, same-sex relationships were negatively assessed by society, but in the 20th century. In the middle of the 19th century, tendentious changes in the concept of marriage began to become apparent, and its importance decreased. In the third decade of independence, with the modernization of our society in Lithuania, it has become the norm in the Western world that marriage is only one of several alternative ways to establish close family relationships. The social teaching of the Catholic Church speaks of the Christian family and the marital love revived and nurtured by the Sacrament of Marriage. In this context of modern reality, Christian spiritual assistance to spouses and families and the social teaching of the Catholic Church, focused on the development and preservation of marriage and family values of Catholic brides preparing to marry in the Church, in line with the teaching of the Catholic Church, become very important. The master's thesis theoretically analyzes the challenges of marriage and the directions of Christian help and presents an empirical qualitative study of the need and impact of spiritual help for families. The results of the survey suggest that many respondents feel the need for Christian spiritual help for spouses, from whom they expect to learn, give and receive support, share problems, and hear other people's testimonies. The research revealed that the programs of courses for the preparation of brides for the sacrament of Marriage are relevant in Lithuania, characterized by positive quality dynamics. Participation in spousal escort programs provided subjects with meaningful experiences that enabled positive change in the couple's relationship: taught constructive dialogue, thank and apologize, helped see themselves from the sidelines, brought peace and joy to their families, helped rejuvenate spirits, revitalized personal feelings. In spousal escort programs, respondents would like more information/publicity, professional and competent professionals, closer communication and sharing of experiences between volunteers and course leaders themselves, families, couples, greater use of visual media on Christian topics, and communication in small groups. The summarized results of theoretical and empirical research show that Christian spiritual support for spouses and families can be seen as an important factor in fostering family sustainability, serving crisis prevention and coping with it. |
