Towards Intercultural Pastoral Care for Catholic Migrant Couples and Intercultural Couples in Europe

Ward Biemans

doi:10.25167/sth.6125

Published: 2025-12-30

Vol. 45 No. 2 (2025)

Towards Intercultural Pastoral Care for Catholic Migrant Couples and Intercultural Couples in Europe

Ward Biemans

Studia Teologiczno-Historyczne Śląska Opolskiego

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.25167/sth.6125

Abstract

This article reports on four sub-studies on pastoral accompaniment and integration processes of Catholic migrant and intercultural couples, living in the Netherlands. The first is a literature study, which shows sustainable beneficial effects of Marriage and Relationship Education (MRE) on relationship quality. A second, quantitative survey investigates the relationships between MRE and relationship quality. Thirdly, semi-structured in-depth interviews with migrant and intercultural couples have been held. Finally, by means of a SWOT-analysis, interviews and written responses with pastoral caregivers and diocesan staff members have been analysed. The article concludes with possibilities to improve intercultural pastoral care and a comparative analysis of Polish/Slovak responses to Ukrainian refugees.

Keywords:

pastoral care, migrant and intercultural couples, integration, marriage and relationship education

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Biemans, W. (2025). Towards Intercultural Pastoral Care for Catholic Migrant Couples and Intercultural Couples in Europe. Studia Teologiczno-Historyczne Śląska Opolskiego, 45(2), 43–60. https://doi.org/10.25167/sth.6125

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