Papal Message to families gathered in Madrid

(December 31.12.2011) The family is a treasure to be protected and appreciated, said Pope Benedict XVI to families gathered Friday in the Colon Square of Madrid, Spain, on the occasion of the feast of the Holy Family. The Pope invited the faithful to let themselves be guided by the church, without yielding to worldly threats that try to undermine the family. He underlined the inalienable duty of the family to educate the young, teaching them to live together, to inherit Christian faith and become aware of their vocation and dignity. This educational commitment could take wings during the forthcoming year of Faith, which begins next October. In his greeting to the youth themselves, the Pope recalled the world Youth Day celebrated in Madrid during this year that is ending. He exhorted the faithful to defend the authentic dignity of the family which is the basic cell of Society and vital for the church.