Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – According to the organizing committee of the 6th World Meeting of Families being celebrated in Mexico City January 14-18, the opening events have had positive results. The number of guests from all over the world has surpassed expectations and it seems there are a total of over 10,000 faithful who are living out this encounter with an authentic enthusiasm and desire to penetrate in the true meaning of the family. Various members of Mexico's political parties have also agreed that the opening of the WMF 2009 comes as an attempt to rescue the family from moral decadence, as “going against the family, in any manner, weakens the nation. Strengthening it means saving the nation, especially in this crucial moment in history.” The opening sessions of the WMF 2009 focused on evaluating the most urgent needs of the family, in relation to social and spiritual issues. On the first day of the Congress, the talks were: “Relations and family values according to the Bible” (Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, O. F. M. Cap.); “What is value?” (Dr. Jaime Antúnez, Chile); “What values are to be discovered and rediscovered?” (Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Canada); “Family and the value of human life” (Dr. Helen Alvaré, USA).
Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec City (Canada), acknowledged that the world economic crisis is affecting many families all over the world and said that the family should be internationally recognized as a dynamic social agent, transcending the superficial notion that only individuals can be social actors and have rights. Cardinal Ouellet affirmed the fact that it is the State's task to support all families in response to the changing economic tides affecting them. He also made reference to the problem of continental migration, mainly in terms of the migration patterns from Latin America into the United States and Canada, recalling that in the spirit of Aparecida, in every person and migrant there should be a missionary in words and actions, bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel. The Cardinal mentioned how a large group of Latin Americans participated in the International Eucharistic Congress held in his country, and now, a third of the French-speaking delegation from Canada participating in the 6th WMF is of Latin American origin. In fact, the constant migration of Latin American families to Canada has obliged the Church in North America to alter its pastoral needs and, among other things, they are now increasingly more in need of Spanish-speaking priests in order to meet the spiritual needs of these new residents and migrants. The Prelate also considered the presence of Latin American Catholics in the United States, which has led to a growth in the faith nationwide, however in Canada the presence of the Latin immigrants is not as notable.
During the second day of the Meeting, there was an enthronement of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, on the site of the Congress. On the second day, the talks were: “Family and sexuality” (Dr. Maria Luisa di Pietro, Italy); “Family and mass media” (Prof. Norberto González Gaitano, Spain); “The family of the migrants” (Archbishop Agostino Marchetto); “Family and social virtues” (Dr. Pierpaolo Donati, Italy).
Norberto González Gaitano, Professor at the University of the Holy Cross in Rome, affirmed that “the mass media is not an enemy, but an ally. However, the audience's taste must be educated.” In his conference entitled “Family and mass media,” he said that the youth are influenced by the mass media, which promotes contradictory cultural effects that lead to a society that is often confused as to what are authentic values. “The generations form their criteria based on what is promoted by the mass media, who impose their guidelines.” Thus, he recalled the importance of the parents in becoming aware of this situation and the models that are being offered to the children through the media. He also mentioned that “the influence of the video-games in youth is much greater than anyone could imagine. A violent episode in society can be easily imitated by those who receive a direct portrayal of these kinds of ideas, even though they may be mere images. All this comes from a lack of attention on the part of some parents in raising their children.” Prof. Gonzalez said that “on the Internet, there is a large quantity of information which is not always accurate” and that 12% of all websites contain pornographic material. “The mass media now presents incomplete and even conflicting information...the youth base their ideas of the family on this influence which is greater than that of their parents or school,” Prof. Gonzalez said.
Throughout the day, priests, bishops, and married couples gave their testimonies on the Sacrament of Marriage, which is being reflected on intensely during this 6th WMF, with the theme: “The Family: Teacher of Values.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/1/2009)
