Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Gaborone (Fides Service)- The increase in broken marriages and divorces in Botswana is a cause of concern for the local community Oblates Missionaries of Mary Immaculate OMI. According to OMI Information bulletin the missionaries are working with the local Catholic Church to help couples prepare well for marriage so they will stay married.
The diocese of Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, has launched a programme to instruct young couples on the nature of marriage and help them prepare for married life. The programme aims to help young people realise that marriage is a union which must be permanent and requires a great effort from both partners. This commitment may be frightening but it is possible with good will and the help of God.
Oblate Missionaries at Godhope Mission organise courses in preparation for marriage and encourage the young couples to take part in parish activities including discussion with other couples to discuss hopes and fears and aspirations and experience. The local OMI community also runs a programme called Botswana Vision 2016 aimed at building a society more healthy with regard to education and solidarity and marriage in this context is of fundamental importance, being in fact the corner stone of society..
The government of Botswana is also taking steps in administration and legislation to help support the institution of marriage. One of these is a law approved in 2004 and in force since February this year which says the husband is no longer the sole head of the family: husband and wife have the same rights and duties and decisions with regard to the family must be taken together. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2005 righe parole)
