YPS

I had a conversation at one time with a group of married women and a topic of the conversation was their some new, some old marriages. The newly-wed women had hopeful gleams in their eyes while the old-timers (and some not even married for more than five years) say that things aren't what the fairytale notion of a marriage is. So, what is it all about? The generation of our parents, grandparents truly take the "till death do us part, in sickness and in health" statement to their hearts (although sometimes taking in infidelity and abuse as well). But today's generation of newlyweds and would be couples seem to take it more lightly, valuing themselves and their rights more than the marriage. It seems that the true meaning of the sacrament of marriage is slowly being forgotten.

I think that the youth today should be more aware of the sacrament of marriage, the commitment it entails and the changes required in each person. Some have different expectations of marriage, many view it as a means of escape, some as a next step in long term relationships and for some, still a requirement for acceptance in society. I am saddened by news of the rising rate of separations in marriages in couples below the age of 40. But if you look closely it also means a higher percentage of women now are willing to stand on their own and are independent of husbands/partners in order to survive. But it also shows that some couples are less willing to fight for their marriages and the vows that they made before God in pursuit of real happiness (so much for the grand weddings). On one hand, you have couples, men and women, who realize their true worth and are able to fight for independence and their rights especially in abusive or destructive relationships. On the other hand, if this continues, we will have a rising percentage of separations and annulments and the succeeding generations will continue to have a distorted view of marriage and the commitments and sacrifices it entails. But was it ever right to begin with? Ours is a culture that has very conservative roots, centered on society and tradition - marriage included.

We cannot take marriage lightly, our schools and the church must continue to educate the youth on the sanctity of marriage. We must not think once or twice but a hundred times over if we are to enter into a commitment such as marriage. I believe it takes more than love, butterflies in your tummy or even physical attraction but it is more of a partnership between two people and a commitment to make and grow a family and live a life dedicated to God.

I recently read a study done in the US of the impact of broken marriages and families on children/youth. And though I still believe that we still have stronger family ties here, broken family or not, it still is data to be considered. And the growth (or decline) of broken marriages will have a big impact on succeeding generations and the kind of youth (and eventually, our working force) we will have in the future.

Will be embarking on a survey soon on the youth's opinion on marriage and partnerships and results will be posted on this site. More to follow!