It seems to be a highly interesting study of the writings and speeches of Benedict XVI on the topic of marriage. The Pope has spoken publicly about marriage on 111 occasions in the first three years of his papacy, often connecting marriage to wider themes such as human rights, world peace, and the dialogue between faith and reason (the last being the title of our Blog).
For example, in a papal address on September 21, 2007 Benedict said: "Experience has shown that when the truth about man is subverted or the foundation of the family undermined, peace itself is threatened and the rule of law is compromised, leading inevitably to forms of injustice and violence."
Pope Benedict mentioned also in his message for the World Day of Peace on January 1 the role of marriage in developing a culture of peace and openness to life, saying: "Consequently, whoever, even unknowingly, circumvents the institution of the family undermines peace in the entire community, national and international, since he weakens what is in effect the primary agency of peace." Note that he called marriage the "primary agency of peace" - an expression which I think would merit further reflection and study. However, already here briefly we can understand the enormous importance of developing and nurturing the spirituality ad theology of marriage. Further, it is essential to educate laity and hierarch for the understanding the meaning, dignity and importance of this "great mystery" (as St. Paul called marriage) for human life and salvation.
Here is our reflection on the Compendium:
Marriage, the "primary agency of peace"
The text of the research brief can be accessed and downloaded from here http://www.marriagedebate.com
A note to the icon above: it is the first representation of the "Wedding of Cana"that we know of where actually the newlywed married couple are actually in the picture! This was one of the reasons we chose it to this page on marriage.
The other reason is more traditional: Jesus, Mary and the fellow servants help the couple in their need of 'good wine' (symbolizing everything that is necessary to make life full of meaning, hope, peace and joy)....
