While many draw the conclusion that marriage is an outdated and irrelevant artefact of a bygone era, one group is steadfastly confident that modern marriage can be both relevant and fulfilling. PMRC (The Pastoral & Matrimonial Renewal Centre) was established in 1972 by Fr Charles Gallagher SJ, the founder of Worldwide Marriage Encounter, to develop resources to enrich and empower the Body of Christ in understanding that our primary identity is relational.
The first Renaissance of Marriage Conference was held inSydneyin February 2008 with an international attendance. Originally planned as an exclusive event for past participants and active leaders in the PMRC, the organisers threw the doors open to the general Catholic population when it became apparent that the programme was just too good to keep to themselves. Following favourable feedback from the participants, the PMRC decided to offer the biannual international event as a series of local mini-conferences in the alternate year. In 2009, the Renaissance of Marriage Mini-Conference series will be held in eight locations throughoutAustralia,New Zealandand theUK.
PMRC leaders Byron and Francine Pirolaare optimistic about the conference and its message. “The Renaissance of Marriage” says Francine, “is about drawing attention to the tremendous resource that married couples represent. Too often in the Church we get side-tracked by the problems and failures of marriage. We focus on the needs of couples and families, and forget, that they are theDomesticChurch – a formidable force for evangelisation!”
“Far from being a relic of the past” adds Byron, “we firmly believe that marriage as envisioned by the Church is a credible and realistic response to the challenges of modern life. If marriages are failing today, it’s not because marriage itself is at fault. Rather, couples need to be called and empowered to fully embrace the vision of the Church for their marriage – a passionate, tender, intimate and life-giving encounter with their spouse.”
Vannessa and Luke Van Beek, who coordinate the PMRC activities in WA, are the convenors of the conference. “What distinguishes The Renaissance of Marriage conference from other events for marriage and relationship educators”, says Vannessa, “is not just it’s Catholicity. It is founded on the premise that the sacrament itself is a key part of the message.”
“We need more than just well trained individuals to run our marriage courses in the Church, says Luke, “but sacramental couples who will teach the theory, witness to it and inspire others to greater ambition for their marriage. Nothing is more effective in preparing couples for marriage, or helping married couples achieve their potential, than the powerful example of another couple.”
Keynote speakers, Michael & Tricia Casey (Sydney) will be presenting the Man and Woman in Relationship single-sex workshops at the Perth Mini-Conference. “Most of our work in the PMRC has focussed on the couple and been directed to the couple”, says Tricia. “In recent years, it has become increasingly obvious to us that there is a great deal to be gained from women working together and men working together for the good of their marriages. The woman’s workshop was designed to empower women to minister to each other in healing their relationship with their father. This is an important relationship in the formation of every woman and it powerfully influences her ability to trust her husband.”
The men’s workshop draws on the insights of Richard Rohr and helps men to sit with some of the big life questions. “Most married men are so busy providing for their families that they don’t get time to reflect on how their life is unfolding”, says Michael, a doctor/lecturer (Notre DameUniversity) and managing director of a busy medical centre. “The workshop aims to create the space for men to think deeply about their priorities so that they can go back to their wives with renewed energy and purpose.”
