2 February 2021
On 19 March 2021, the Church will celebrate the fifth year of the publication of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia on the beauty and joy of love in the family. On the same day, Pope Francis will launch the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family”. This year of celebrations aims to “reach every family around the world through several spiritual, pastoral and cultural proposals that can be implemented within Parishes, Dioceses, universities, ecclesial movements and family associations.”[1]
Last Wednesday, Mrs. Gabriella Gambino, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, met online with FAFCE Members to present the upcoming initiatives of her Dicastery for the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family”, with two main objectives:
Share the content of the Encyclical
“The text is full of pastoral indications on how to walk with the families in this period of difficulties.”
“We will also show the bridges between “Amoris Laetitia” and “Fratelli Tutti”, which call us to a fraternal approach to the family.”
Enable families to be active agents and protagonists of the family apostolate
“Your Organisations are a key element to make these goals concrete: to make young people aware of the importance and the strength of the family, of marriage as the pillar of society, and to give hope to new generations. The sacramental marriage is a gift, for which we have to work together, also in a political, social and international level.”
FAFCE President, Vincenzo Bassi, recalled the specific role of family associations to support the stability of the family, especially when helping to fight loneliness. For her part, Mrs. Gambino reiterated the importance given in this Year to family associations, who, together with local churches, are the closest to families and know their needs best. She also reminded FAFCE Members of the need to adopt a cross-cutting approach, with a special attention for children, disabled persons and the elderly. This could not resonates better, as Pope Francis recently announced to establish the World day for grandparents, on the 4th Sunday of July.
Mrs. Gambino concluded this fruitful exchange with some words of encouragement: “We have to fall in love with the family, as Saint Joseph did when taking care of his own family”.
[1] Website Amoris Laetitia Family Year 2021-2022. Available at http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/amoris-laetitia.html
