In a pastoral letter, Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo wrote that "God's mercy is not only a doctrine alongside the doctrine of marriage and the family, but is at the heart of Christian doctrine".

The pastoral letter was titled "Balm of Mercy for the Family".

Bishop Grech wrote that "it is no secret that there is expectancy about the conclusions of the synod [on the family] regarding the pastoral situation of those who are divorced and are in a second relationship".

"Those who propose that certain barriers between those who are in an ‘irregular relationship', but who believe in Christ as Savior, and the rest of the community, should be removed, are in no way putting at risk the teaching about the indissolubility of marriage.

"[Rather] . . . they are eager to make possible the experience of the balm of God's mercy, particularly that kind of mercy which according to the Tradition of the Church, the penitent accedes to it when he is on the road of conversion, known as the via poenitentialis."

Bishop Grech contrasted this outlook with "the promoters of ‘God's justice' who may feel uneasy when confronted with this pastoral view".

"It is as if we cannot admit that justice is only a small part of mercy. Mercy is much more than that which we attribute to justice."

The bishop noted St Paul's words that "who imbibes from this chalice unworthily, imbibes his own condemnation (1 Cor. 11: 28)".

But Bishop Grech argued against excessive rigidity.

He cited Basil of Caesarea and St Gregory the Great as examples pastoral care for those in problematic marriages, notably following times of persecution.

The bishop hoped the synod would sustain healthy families and find pathways for "those who, in spite of the fact that they did not succeed in their first marriage/relationship . . . hope in God's mercy to savour the delicacies of God love".

He wrote that the Church should help the penitent reconcile with God and the Church "without expecting him to shoulder burdens which he morally cannot do".

Sources

• Malta Independent
• Gozo News
• Image: Malta Independent

Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo in Malta made the call during a homily on the feast of Our Lady of Victories.

"I have in my heart all those who are victims of atrocity, fighting in Iraq and Syria, but particularly to our fellow Christians. In the words of Pope Francis, these persecuted Christians are in the heart of Mother Church," the bishop said.

Bishop Grech asked how it was possible to stay passive when countless Christians are being killed or exiled for their faith.

"Each parish should adopt a family and undertake to provide accommodation where they live and the means to live," he said.

"I know that our people have a big heart and could be generous with those in need," he added.

The bishop said he would write to civil authorities and the apostolic nunciature to tell them of the parishes' readiness to help.

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