Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - “This predilection on the part of the Holy Father is a cause of joy and grace for all of us, but it is also a great responsibility that calls for our commitment, not only in preparation for this great event in the Church, but above all in preparing ourselves as persons and families, promoting all that can lead to better marriages and families.” These were the words of Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop Primate of Mexico City, in his letter addressed to the priests of the Archdiocese, on the occasion of the 6th World Family Encounter which will take place in Mexico City, January 13-18, 2009.
In order to prepare this event, the Pontifical Council for the Family has prepared ten catechesis workshops and the Archdiocese has prepared 13 courses for reflection, material that will be distributed among all the parishes of the Diocese. The Cardinal also asks that in every vicariate, parish, etc, there may be activities organized in promotion of this event. One of these activities is the pilgrimage tour of the official Icon of the World Family Encounters.
The Cardinal addresses the specific theme designated by His Holiness Benedict XVI for this Encounter: “The family, educator in human and Christian values.” “In referring to the family as educator in values,” the Cardinal said, “we make reference to the actions that imply an entire process that is oriented to finding a definition, a configuration, a firmness, and a perfection in each one of the people that make up the family.” It is precisely within the family where this person is formed. However, the Cardinal points out that in the historical moment in which we are living, “the family has forgotten its own identity and mission in educating persons, leading to the consequences we are already witnessing of relativism, subjectivism, sensuality, and a lack of social values.”
In this situation, the Archdiocese of Mexico City already since the celebration of the Second Diocesan Synod, has been “reflecting on the importance of the family, especially in light of the current social situation.”
“All these problems present serious challenges to us that we must overcome with great seriousness and pastoral responsibility. No one should remain indifferent, especially as we are presented with the opportunity to awaken the consciences of all men and women of good will, to the transcendence implied in working for human and Christian values in families. Everything that we sow among families, will yield fruit in society and in the Church,” the Cardinal said.
He later made an appeal to all priests of the Archdiocese, reminding them that their mission is that of “promotion, encouragement, and accompaniment of the various initiatives in their Family Pastoral Ministry.”
“The Celebration of the 6th World Family Encounter,” the text reads, “offers us the unique opportunity of renewing our commitment to Family Pastoral Care with enthusiasm, concrete initiatives, and a great evangelizing spirit.” With that in mind, the Cardinal expresses his hope that every parish will try to create a team, led by the pastor of the parish and supported by the Diocesan Committee for Family Pastoral Ministry and Lay and Family Movements. “We have to work together to reach all sectors.” A fruit of this work in promotion of Marriage and Family, will be -the Cardinal says- “new vocations to the priesthood, missionary life, religious life, and the laity in our beloved Archdiocese of Mexico City.” “Therefore, I invite all - especially priests - to work together and with great enthusiasm to prepare and celebrate this upcoming 6th World Family Encounter, which we are all hosting,” the letter concludes. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/05/2008 righe 48, parole 599)
