On Monday 19th September, 2011, Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. attended the inauguration of the Pastoral Year of the Cana Movement at the Attard Pastoral Centre.
Addressing the general assembly, the President of the Cana Movement, Dr Anna Vella, referred to the principal mission of the Movement: that of engaged and married couples. Dr Vella stated that one must bear in mind that those engaged couples who attend the Cana courses would have lived through several different stages of life. As a result of this, certain values and attitudes would have already been ingrained in their personalities. She insisted that in this respect a human and spiritual formation is necessary for all those people who are entrusted with the formation of children and adolescents. Dr Vella expresses the need for the Church in Malta to commit itself more decisively in order to consolidate Pastoral work among children, adolescents and youths, as well as in schools – church, state and independent. The aim is for the Cana Movement to continue to build upon the work undertaken by these pastoral educators in order to offer a more intense marriage preparation programme.
In his presentation, the Assistant Director of the Cana Movement Fr Karm Mercieca stated that during the forth coming year the Movement wishes to renew its commitment in the field of Christian marriage preparation and the strengthening of families. This will be done through different initiatives which the Movement will take mainly the re-formatting of the marriage preparation courses; four seminars focusing upon Christian anthropology, and spiritual, emotional and sexual intimacy in collaboration with the Institute of Pastoral Formation, participation in the Project entitled ‘Sustainable lifestyles project for the Family’ led by Caritas, the introduction of sessions on effective financial management during the marriage preparation courses, pastoral work with respect to separated persons, the republication of the leaflet entitled ‘Il-Mixja lejn iz-Zwieg’ both in Maltese and in English.
The Director of the Movement, Fr Joe Mizzi, referred to the 7th meeting for families which will be held in Milan in May 2012. The theme chosen for this occasion is ‘The Family: work and celebration’, Fr Joe Mizzi urger those present to transform the challenges we are facing today into opportunities and to commit themselves further in the field of the family.
Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. delivered the closing address by expressing his appreciation on behalf of the Church to all those who offer their voluntary service at the Cana Movement. He inaugurated the Pastoral Year and encouraged volunteers to carry on with their mission in respect of families in Malta and the Maltese society.
Click on the photo to enlarge. The photos of the Archbishop’s events may be obtained from PHOTOCITY, Valletta. Tel: 21236723. Email: [email protected]