Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “The pastoral care of families has an important place in the evangelising activity of each one of the particular Churches, promoting a culture of life and working to ensure the rights of families are recognised and respected”. The Holy Father stated this in his Message released today on the occasion of a meeting of Bishops who head episcopal commissions for the family and life in Latin America and the Caribbean. Their meeting is taking place in Bogotá, Colombia, from 28 March to 1 April under the presidency of Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family.
The Pope writes: “we sorrowfully note that families are increasingly suffering from adverse situations brought about by rapid cultural changes and social instability, by migratory flows, by poverty, by education programmes which trivialise sexuality and by false ideologies. We cannot remain indifferent before such challenges,” appealed the Holy Father, recalling that in the Gospel we can find the much needed light to respond without losing our souls. Benedict XVI urges the Bishops to not spare any effort “to ensure that each family, founded on the indissoluble bond between a man and a woman, carries out its mission as a living cell of society, seedbed of virtues, school of constructive and peaceful coexistence, instrument of harmony and a privileged area in which, with joy and responsibility, human life is welcomed and protected, from beginning to natural end.”
“I do not doubt,” continues the Pope, “that the continental mission promoted at Aparecida, and that the many hopes that are awakening everywhere, will serve to launch pastoral care of marriage and the family in the beloved countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Church puts her trust in Christian families, calling them to play a role in evangelisation and the apostolate, and inviting them to an awareness of their valuable mission in the world.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 29/03/2011)
