Canon Law: Malta’s Secret Weapon for Family Support

Imagine, if you will, the grand, historic building at 26 Republic Street, Valletta. It’s the headquarters of the Malta Catholic Bishop’s Conference. Here, in this seat of ecclesiastical power, a quiet revolution is brewing. It’s not led by mitres or crosiers, but by a humble canon lawyer, Dr. Charles Mercieca, who’s on a mission to put canon law at the service of the Maltese family.

Unravelling Canon Law: A Tool for Family Support

Canon law, you ask? Yes, that’s right. It’s the body of laws made and enforced by the Catholic Church in its own affairs. But it’s not just about Church discipline. It’s also about marriage, family life, and the sacraments. And in Malta, where the Church remains a significant social institution, it’s a powerful tool for supporting families.

Dr. Mercieca, a soft-spoken man with a wealth of knowledge and a warm smile, is leading the charge. He’s the Chancellor of the Maltese Church, a role that puts him at the heart of ecclesiastical administration. But his passion lies not in paperwork, but in people – specifically, Maltese families.

Canon Law in Action: Malta’s Family Support Network

Dr. Mercieca’s vision is to make canon law more accessible and relevant to Maltese families. He’s working to strengthen marriage preparation programmes, provide support for couples facing challenges, and promote a culture of life and love in our communities.

One initiative he’s particularly proud of is the ‘Family Enrichment Programme’. It’s a series of workshops and retreats designed to help couples grow in love and understanding. They’re held in beautiful locations around Malta – from the peaceful surroundings of the Santa Maria Estate in Attard to the historic walls of Mdina.

But it’s not just about big events. Dr. Mercieca is also working to build a network of family support within parishes. He envisions a future where every parish has a team dedicated to family ministry, offering practical, spiritual, and emotional support to families in need.

The Future: A Church of the Family, by the Family, for the Family

Dr. Mercieca’s vision is ambitious, but it’s rooted in a deep love for the Church and a profound respect for the family. He sees a future where the Church is not just a place to go on Sundays, but a community that walks with families every day, supporting them in joy and in struggle.

“The family is the domestic Church,” he says, “and it’s our duty to help it grow and flourish. That’s what I want canon law to do – to be a tool for building up the family, for strengthening love, and for promoting life.”