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conscious of this situation and the Pontifical Council for the Family,
addressing this, states that God sustains these single parents with his special
love, calling them to face this challenge with the same generosity and
sensibility they bring to the care of their children, with the same love and
concern as in many other situations of family life. 118

4.3.3.4 Particular Challenges Faced by the Families in the
Archdiocese of Kottayam

1. Lack of a vision of life: there is a tendency to see life from a
purely secular, material and worldly perspective. This tendency leads people
to seek ways to make money easily, which in turn leads to the loss of a
spiritual foundation. 119 So parents and the young generation are challenged
to maintain a lifestyle which is based on Christian faith and morals.

2. Indifferentism towards the traditions: this can be the result of
lack of religiosity, unwillingness to give a Christian witness, or to
participate in church functions and communal ceremonies. This can arise
from the lack of knowledge about the special identity of the Knānāya
community. 120 Parents and educators have the mission to impart a realistic
view of life to children and inspire them to contribute to the development of
the community.

3. Negative influence of media and internet: The commercial
strategies of the media and internet have distorted the moral and value
consciousness of the individual and the society. 121 This influences the
younger generation which is not capable of recognising the difference
between reality and fantasy. Today the internet is easily accessed by
children. Parents are called to guide their children in the use of the internet.
“All users of the internet are obliged to use it in an informed, disciplined
way, for morally good purpose; parents should guide and supervise

118
Cf. PONTIFICIO CONSIGLIO PER LA FAMIGLIA (ed.), Enhiridion della Famiglia-
Documenti Magisteriali E Pastorali Su Famiglia e Vita, 1965-2004, Edizioni Dehoniane,
Bologna, 2004, p. 705. The Italian text reads; “Dio, però, sostiene I genitori soli con un
amore speciale, chiamandoli ad affrontare questo compito con la stessa generosità e
sensibilità con cui amano e curano I propri figli negli altri aspetti della vita famigliare”.
119 Cf. LINEAMENTA OF EPARCHIAL ASSEMBLY OF THE DIOCESE OF KOTTAYAM
SEPTEMBER 11-15, 2000, Christian Witness of Knānāya Community (Malayalam),
Kottayam, 10 March, 2000, p.38.
120
Ibid., p. 39.
121 Cf. MOOLAKKATT, ARCHBISHOP MATHEW, Circular, no. 122, World Media Day
2012, Catholic Metropolitan’s House Kottayam, 6 November, 2012.

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