Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Valencia (Fides Service) - Catholics are preparing to host the 5th World Meeting for Families to be V EMF held in Valencia 1 to 9 July 2006, on the theme "The Family and the Handing on of the Faith". The Bishop of Valencia Agustín García-Gasco, said preparations focus on “restoring esteem for the family, for its unique role in society and also its evangelising mission”, at a time when the dignity of marriage the institution of the family are undermined. The Meeting programme includes an International Exhibition on the Family 1 - 7 July an international Theological Pastoral Congress 4 - 7 July; Family Rosary in the evening of 7 July; Masses for different languages groups 8 July; testimonial from families for all five continents in the evening 8 July and culminating solemn Mass for Families presided by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday 9 July.
Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo President of the Pontifical Council for the Family is in Valencia to discuss preparations. Yesterday 27 October he met the parish priests of Valencia diocese to discuss a preparatory pastoral plan for V EMF to be distributed to parishes all over the world for the year. The plan is articulated in 10 catechesis which will culminate with a Parish Family Week. The catechesis will focus on the principle themes of family life from a Christian point of view, in particular the handing on of the faith. Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo will also chair a meeting of EMF organising commissions and the V EMF Foundation presided by Bishop Esteban Escudero auxiliary of Valencia.
Preparation involves also schools. Material and information on the important Meeting has been distributed to about 1,000 schools teachers who have been asked to raise interest among the children and families. The Union of Spanish-American Parents Associations UNIAPA, with 200 million members in 12 countries, has said it will hold its 2005 general Assembly in Valencia, to support V EMF and take part in the International Exhibition on the Family with conferences on topics connected with the family.
The organisers say participants at the Theological Pastoral Congress will draft a 'Decalogue of the Family’ to be made public. Grandparents are also involved. Together with several Catholic organisations Valencia diocese has organised the 1st National Symposium for Grandparents 18-20 November on the theme "Grandparents, the family, handing on the faith" in preparation for VEMF. Themes for reflection will include the human and Christian growth of grandparents in the family, grandparents witnesses to the faith, the charisma and duties of grandparents, and participants will be given information with regard to grandparents participation in VEMF in July. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2005, righe 36, parole 489)
