By Fr. S. Arockia Charles MSFS

The first chapter deals with family in general. Here we study the various definitions o f family, the nature and the types of family. It also deals with the biblical understanding of the family in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. After having studied the above-mentioned fields, I explain about the family of Nazareth that is the Holy family, which is the model for the families in the world. Furthermore, we study the theology and spirituality of Christian family.

In the second chapter, we would study the reasons and causes for the dysfunctional family. A family becomes dysfunctional due to the physical difficulties, psychological imbalance namely due to stress, anxiety, obsession phobia. The wide spread problems we find in the families are sexual problems and its diseases. From there we move on to study the important problems the ethical and moral problems. Neglect of spiritual life in the families affects the lifestyle of the individual and the family members. The extraordinary synod 2014 is being held in view of the family particularly addressing the problems about homosexuality, lesbianism, divorce, use of contraception and abortion. Having analysed that we move on to study about the sociological factors which affect the family life namely dowry, love marriage, forced marriage, intcrfaith marriage etc. Finally, we deal with the domestic and financial difficulties, which make a family to become dysfunctional.

The third and the final chapter would be dealing with proposed solutions and remedies for the dysfunctional families in the light of the teachings of St Francis de Sales. We would be looking at a biographical sketch of the life of St Francis de Sales, from there we move on to study the impact of the virtues in the family life, namely dealing with the cardinal and theological virtues. Then we study the dearest and important virtues in the view of St Francis de Sales; that is the little virtues, namely the virtues of patience, humility, gentleness, meekness and simplicity. From there we move on to sacraments, which lead one to a happy family life. Here we study the various sacraments and their effects in one’s life. This will lead us to the explanation of spiritual direction and counselling, which is the most important solution for the family problems and which St Francis de Sales himself practised and advises his followers to practise. Finally, we deal with the universal call to holiness which St Francis de Sales advocated for all of us to live a happy and peaceful life.