Original scientific paper
Betrothed couples in smaller Towns and Villages of the Archdiocese of Đakovo-Osijek about themselves, the most important Values in Betrothal and Marriage
Stanislav Šota
orcid.org/0000-0002-6979-4406
; Catholic Faculty of Theology in Đakovo, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Đakovo, Croatia
Igor Jakobfi
orcid.org/0000-0003-0963-9778
; Catholic Faculty of Theology in Đakovo, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek
Abstract
The paper presents the results of a study conducted on a sample of 391 betrothed couples (192 betrothed men and 199 betrothed women) from rural parishes and parishes in smaller towns of the Đakovo-Osijek archdiocese, who attended an engagement course as part of closer preparation for marriage. The goal of the research was to find out the practice of religion, age, and the concept of betrothal, to find out the perception of the values particularly valued in the fiancé or fiancée, and to shed light on the idea of values for a successful marriage. According to age groups, the largest number of engaged people is between 26 and 30 years old. The largest number of engaged people have been in a relationship for 3-5 years. Fiancées are more educated than fiancés. 42.2% are practical believers, occasional 30.4%, traditional 25.8% undecided, and agnostic 0.8%. 52.2% of betrothed couples live together in a cohabitation union. 74.5% of betrotheds are employed for an indefinite period. Values that the betrothed mutually appreciate are: compassion 36.8%, fidelity 33.8%, diligence 6.1%, respect 4.9%, love 4.3%, patience and wisdom 3.1%, honesty 1.8%, communication 1%, modesty 0.8%, spirituality and obedience 0.5%. For betrothed couples, the most important values for a successful marriage are respect 23.8%, honesty and openness in communication 22.8%, love 18.9%, fidelity 17.1%, spirituality 3.8%, same goals 2.6%, honesty 1.8%, compassion 1.3%, offspring 1.3%. tolerance 0.5%, diligence 1%, wisdom 0.3% confidence 0.3%, intimacy 0.3%. The above values suggest that the bride and groom are under the influence of today’s individualism and materialism. They mutually expect a high level of co-responsibility, emotional and existential or material maturity, and at least theological and/or religious maturity. The above-mentioned values also indicate a necessary change in the content and approach of the Church and its pastoral action in the pastoral care of the betrothed.
Keywords
betrothed; village; smaller towns in the Archdiocese of Đakovo-Osijek; values; betrothal; marriage
Hrčak ID:
330742
URI
Publication date:
9.5.2025.
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