EUROPE/SPAIN - Pastoral Plan for the Archdiocese of Madrid for the next three years is centered on the family, in order to respond to “public affronts, warning signs of its imminent disappearance, and evident attacks on its nature and stability.”

Madrid (Agenzia Fides) – The Cathedral of the Almudena held a Mass on October 11, which included the presentation of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan for the next three years, with the theme: “The family is alive; with Christ it is possible,” focusing on the importance of the family. The Mass was presided by Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid, and was attended by a large number of priests and faithful from various parishes, apostolic groups in the diocese (especially those working in pastoral care of the family), and institutes of religious life. The general objective of the Pastoral Plan for this year is: “Helping families to be what God calls them to be.” The next two years are: “The family as domestic Church” (2009-2010) and “The family, hope of society” (2010-2011).
Cardinal Varela pointed out in his homily the importance of being aware of what is happening in the world concerning the family. He said that “it is serious and it is something that concerns us all.” The Cardinal mentioned that “the root of the crisis is a crisis of faith,” and thus, “the objective” of the Archdiocese will be to transmit “the faith of Jesus Christ, and focus on the family and understanding how the family is the most important human path and that it is indispensable for knowing Christ and His Law in the world.” “It is of utmost importance that we live out the fact that the family is the source of life and hope for humanity,” the Cardinal added, placing examples of concrete measures to be taken. Thus, he called for the “dedication and extraordinary commitment” of all the faithful of the Archdiocese.
He also pointed out that “the crisis affecting marriages and families is an extremely serious one.” “When someone does not want to hear the most fundamental truth about marriage, that it is a union between a man and a woman, when the ideas are not clear, where have we come?” “When one believes that he can invent other life formulas for his own interests, we are at the root of the crisis, the crisis of faith.”
The Vicar of Pastoral Activity for the Archdiocese of Madrid, Fr. Angel Matesanz, presented the five objectives on which the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan is based: living the vocation of marriage; improving marriage preparation; educating towards love; and promoting groups for married couples and special help for certain situations.
Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco also wrote a Pastoral Letter entitled, “The family: life and hope for humanity,” which will serve as the base for the next three years. In his letter, the Cardinal affirms that fact that the institution of the family is now amidst “public affronts, warning signs of its imminent disappearance, and evident attacks on its nature and stability.” And thus, he said, “the time has come to propose an integral plan for pastoral care for families in the Archdiocese – one that is capable of spreading new awareness of the Christian nature and mission of families.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 13/10/2008)