Canon Law: Strengthening Families in Malta
In the heart of Valletta, the grand aula of the Malta Cathedral hums with an unusual energy. It’s not the echo of hymns, but the murmur of canon lawyers, gathered for the first-ever international conference on ‘Canon Law at the Service of the Family’.
Malta, a nation deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage, finds itself at the forefront of a global conversation. The conference, organised by the Institute of Canon Law at the University of Malta, brings together experts from around the world to discuss the role of canon law in supporting and strengthening families.
Canon Law: More Than Rules
Canon law, often misunderstood as merely a set of rules governing the Catholic Church, is far more nuanced. It’s a legal system that guides the Church’s mission and ministry, including its care for families. “It’s about creating a just and orderly community, promoting the common good, and safeguarding the dignity of each person,” explains Prof. Joseph Giglio, director of the Institute of Canon Law.
Local Issues, Global Perspectives
The conference, held at the prestigious Grandmaster’s Palace, tackles issues close to Malta’s heart. One session, ‘Family Life and Migration’, explores the challenges faced by migrant families, a pressing issue in Malta, the EU’s southern gateway. Another, ‘The Family and the Digital World’, delves into the impact of technology on family life, a concern for parents across the island.
Speakers include Bishop Mario Grech, the newly appointed Secretary-General of the Synod of Bishops in Rome, and Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the Vatican’s promoter of justice in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Their insights, combined with those of international experts, offer a unique blend of local context and global perspective.
Practical Applications
The conference isn’t just about theory. It’s about practical applications. “We want to equip our participants – priests, lawyers, social workers, educators – with tools to support families in their communities,” says Prof. Giglio. This could mean anything from advising on family-related legal issues to facilitating family counselling services.
Take, for instance, the issue of annulments. Malta’s Family Life Commission has been pushing for a more streamlined process, making it less daunting for couples seeking an annulment. Canon law, properly understood and applied, could make this a reality.
Or consider the role of canon law in protecting vulnerable families. The Church’s legal system has provisions for supporting victims of abuse, ensuring justice, and promoting healing. Understanding and implementing these provisions could strengthen Malta’s response to abuse, a pressing concern in today’s society.
In the end, it’s about people. It’s about families. It’s about making sure that the Church, and society at large, supports and nurtures families, helping them thrive in today’s complex world.
As Prof. Giglio puts it, “Canon law is not an end in itself. It’s a means to an end. And that end is the flourishing of the human person, and by extension, the family.”
