I
t is not uncommon these days to
hear families torn apart or cou-
ples slugging it out at the slight-
est provocation owing largely to
accusations of infidelity, or that the
man is uncaring about what takes
place in his nuclear family. Numerous
instances are there to draw from and
grave as the allegations appear to be
does not warrant husbands and wives
to resort to fist cuff which often lead
to fatalities with dire consequences.
Only recently the celebrated case
of Mrs. Marian Sandra who was
sentenced to death for killing her
husband on allegation of infidelity
made the headlines. Among many
other similar stories of discord also
reports of a woman who splashed
hot water on her husband accusing
him of harbouring another woman
that left the man terribly in pains and
permanently disfigured left many
surprised of what have become of
our marriages. Again, from Edo State
came another heart wrenching story
of a man who shot dead his wife and
three children on grounds of unfaith-
fulness leveled against her. Away from
the local scene, the United States and
other parts of the world have also had
their fair share of marriages ending
up in tragedy. Couple of days ago a
woman in the US took her life for
what she described in her suicide note
as strain in marriage between her and
the husband.
We are however, concerned about the
spate of cold blood murder exhibited
by couples in the recent times and call
for restrain. Men and women should
be able to take control of their emo-
tions even when the world appears
to collapse on them bordering on
marital and emotional issues that
can be amicably resolved, and take
more to counseling than take the
laws into their hands.
In the wisdom of the Church,
no marriage is contracted without
intending couples going through the
three months compulsory marriage
course where they are exposed to
the doctrine of the Mother Church
on marriage and family life. No one
can contest the gains derived from
it and so we urge marriage coun-
selors not to relent as the signs of
the time call for more action in this
direction.
We encourage couples, especially
so, the men to manage their anger
and trust in God to take control of
the situation rather than go berserk
when provoked. They should also
seek the advice and counsel of
professional marriage counselors,
Priests and the Church elders who
are in a better position to wade into
quarrels between husband and wife.
This way we can help maintain the
sanctity of family life.
