EUROPE/SPAIN - Great expectation in view of "Pro Christian Family event” on 30 December: "we must witness to what we believe in and what we experience at this crucial time when the family is seriously threatened in Spain and all over Europe” the Bishops say

Madrid (Agenzia Fides) - There is growing expectancy all over Spain in view of the Pro Christian Family even to be held in Madrid on Sunday 30 December, Feast of the Holy Family. The event will coincide with the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's first visit to Spain. The organisers estimate that participants will reach the mark of 1.5 to 2 million people. All the Spanish cardinals and many of the bishops will be present, including the president of the Bishops' Conference.
Presenting the event to the press Bishops Cesar Franco, Auxiliary of Madrid, said the day will have two parts: 11-12 welcome to participants and the projections of two films with the messages of John Paul II, followed by Christian testimony and to close, addresses by the president of the Bishops' Conference, Bishop Ricardo Blázquez, and the Cardinals present.
The second part at 12 noon will include a live link with St Peter's Square for the Angelus prayer led by Pope Benedict XVI who will address the participants at the Family event in Madrid. Then, after speeches by the leaders of the ecclesial realities which have organised the event, a Liturgy of the Word will start with a procession with the statue of Our Lady of Almudena, carried by a group of young people of Madrid. Cardinal Antonio Mª Rouco l'Incaglia, Archbishop of Madrid will give the homily.
In a pastoral letter for the occasion Cardinal Rouco, urged Catholics to take part in this moment of grace with their families "we must witness to what we believe in and what we experience at this crucial time when the family is seriously threatened in Spain and all over Europe. As Christians we want to announce the Gospel of the family to illuminate and support all Christian families”.
In a pastoral letter issued this week, Bishop Antonio Dorado of Malaga, said “the event takes place at an obscure and sad social time which effects us all”, due to three serious factors in Spain which “must be strongly denounced and more effective measures taken”: the growing tragedy of abortion, rapid divorce which forces many couples to make hasty decisions and the unprecedented phenomenon of infantile violence in homes and schools. “The celebration of the ‘Pro Family and Life Day" convokes Christians and all men and women of good will to denounce these facts and demand more effective and opportune measures, in keeping with the law, and in the light of the faith we profess in the Gospel which saves us ”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/12/2007; righe 35, parole 472)