With Papa Francisco back in Rome, there is much to reflect on about his visit to the United States. From Havana to Philadelphia, one of the major themes of the Holy Father’s message is the centrality of the family to God’s plan of salvation. Francis reminded families that they are called to a life of love and commitment in the midst of the inevitable challenges of family life. He also encouraged us to remember the great gift of children, and to welcome them into our lives and hearts.
This heart-warming video of a child encouraging her mother to reconcile with her father after an argument embodies the closing words of the Holy Father in his final homily at the Wolrd Meeting of Families in Philadelphia:
I leave you with this question, for each one of you to respond to: In my home, do we yell, or do we speak with love and tenderness? This is a good way to recognize our love. Would that we could all be prophets! Would that all of us could be open to miracles of love for the sake of all the families of the world, and thus overcome the scandal of a narrow, petty love, closed in on itself, impatient of other […] Anyone who wants to bring into this world a family which teaches children to be excited by every gesture aimed at overcoming evil – a family which shows that the Spirit is alive and at work – will encounter our gratitude and our appreciation. Whatever the family, people, region, or religion to which they belong!
And today we celebrate...