Dear
Parishioners,
In
just about a month Pope Francis will
be in Philadelphia (September 26-27) for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families (September
22-25). There is a dedicated web site
for this momentous occasion (www.worldmeeting2015.org) if you
would like more information. A link is available from our parish web page.
The
last world meeting of this kind was held in Milan, Italy in 2012 and drew over
one million people to the Papal Mass with Pope
Benedict XVI.
The
World Meeting of Families was initially
conceived by Pope Saint John Paul II
in 1992 to look at strengthening the sacred bonds of the family unit across the
globe. The initial meeting took place in Rome in 1994 for the International Year of the Family.
Every three years since 1994, families from all over
the world are invited by the Holy Father to attend this global gathering. According to the WMOF web site: “At the
conference, families share their thoughts, dialogue and prayers, working
together to grow as individuals and family units. Families can participate in discussion groups
on the Christian family’s role in the church and society, led by many
distinguished speakers.” Some of the
speakers include Bishop-elect Robert Barron (Word on Fire), Scott Hahn, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Cardinal Peter Turkson,
Cardinal Gerald Lacroix (Primate of Canada), Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines),
Cardinal Sean O’Malley (Boston), Cardinal Willem Eijk, Helen Alvare, Janet
Smith, Christopher West—just to name but a few of the distinguished guests and
speakers. The occasion will feature some
of the best scholars from around the world.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia informs us that “Our theme, ‘Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive’ was inspired by the early Church Father, St. Irenaeus, who wrote ‘the Glory of God is man fully alive.’ The glory of men and women is their capacity to love as God loves – and no better means exists to teach the meaning of love than the family. His Holiness, Pope Francis also inspired the theme. He embodies the message of mercy, joy and love at the heart of the Gospel.”
The entire event will culminate with a Papal Mass (Sunday, September 27, 4 PM) celebrated by Pope Francis on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, famous for many notable buildings along its path including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and City Hall.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia informs us that “Our theme, ‘Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive’ was inspired by the early Church Father, St. Irenaeus, who wrote ‘the Glory of God is man fully alive.’ The glory of men and women is their capacity to love as God loves – and no better means exists to teach the meaning of love than the family. His Holiness, Pope Francis also inspired the theme. He embodies the message of mercy, joy and love at the heart of the Gospel.”
The entire event will culminate with a Papal Mass (Sunday, September 27, 4 PM) celebrated by Pope Francis on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, famous for many notable buildings along its path including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and City Hall.
Please pray for the success of the World Meeting of Families and for Pope Francis. The family is the core building block of society and the Domestic Church. When our families are strong, united and live according to God’s design for them, our society is that much better off.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
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