Many people see modern marriage as a consumer product that can be returned or discarded, the Bishop of Dromore, Dr John McAreavey, told pilgrims at the Knock Shrine annual novena yesterday.
"Many people today regard marriage as something to be tried and their commitment, when it is made, is often provisional. They see marriage as a consumer product that can be returned or discarded."
Christian marriage, he said, demands all the resources and energy that a couple could bring to it. It was also the greatest spiritual task that couples undertook.
The Feast of the Assumption was marked at Knock Shrine yesterday by a huge influx of travellers. Most of the 20 pubs in Ballyhaunis, six miles from Knock, closed on Monday night when a large group of travellers arrived. Up to 200 travellers were still parked last night in the grounds of the disused Manor House Hotel.
"It seems to me that regular attendance at Mass and regular celebration of the sacrament of penance are indispensable resources for couples who are committed to living their marriages faithfully."