Thiruvanathapuram: Spirituality is fundamental to the existence of the institution of family, Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis has said, addressing the Synod of Bishops in Rome on Saturday.
The Church views family as an important regional component, he said, adding that strong societies are founded on strong families. In all ages, the Catholic Church has stood as the protector to the institution of the family. This service, he added, should be continued in present times also, The Indian Express reported.
The services of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church – of which he is the Major Archbishop – in this regard is founded on the Indian traditions which lays considerable emphasis on the concept of family.
The Malankara tradition considers a family an essential component of society, he said, adding that a society cannot withdraw from the basic concept of marriage. The realisation that children are the greatest wealth of a family strengthens the family.
However, the lifestyles of the modern era have also affected the family concepts in the Syrian traditions.
Aged parents are forgotten in their homes as children migrate abroad for employment. Modern telecommunication systems also contribute to undermining the concept of a family.