Pope calls sacraments, prayer antidotes to family, marital problems

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II said the best antidotes to family and marital problems are an intense prayer life and regular recourse to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and confession. In an Oct. 18 speech, the pope also encouraged parents to maintain open lines of communication with their children, citing the dangers of leaving young people unguided in a "society saturated with eroticism." He made his remarks to participants in an Oct. 17-19 plenary session of the Pontifical Council for the Family. The theme of the gathering was "Pastoral Care for Families and Couples in Difficulty."

Not that Eucharist and Penance can't have a positive effect on marriage, but truth is, and we all know this, marriage works simply because the couple works hard at it. Sacraments are not a magic potion or panacea.