Pope: The challenges facing the family

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis issued a letter to Families on Tuesday in which he asks for prayers for two upcoming meetings which will have the family as their main theme.

In his letter addressed to families, Pope Francis asks for their support and prayers for the upcoming Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which is being convened to discuss the theme of “pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelization”.

The Pope says that this Synod is dedicated in a special way to families, to their “vocation and mission in the Church and in society; to the challenges of marriage, of family life, of the education of children; and the role of the family in the life of the Church.”

The Holy Father goes on to say that the meeting will involve all the people of God including bishops, priests, and lay faithful of the particular Churches of the entire world, all of whom he adds, are “actively participating in preparations for the meeting through practical suggestions and the crucial support of prayer”.

The Pope also asks for the prayers of families for the World Meeting of Families which is due to take place in Philadelphia in September 2015.

Pope Francis expresses the hope that through these vital prayers for both events, the Church will undertake “a true journey of discernment and adopt the necessary pastoral means to help families face their present challenges with the light and strength that comes from the Gospel.”

In conclusion, the Pope underlines that it is Jesus himself who illuminates the path of families in their daily lives and sustains everyone in their journey. Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s report: