Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - Sunday 4th March Catholics in Mexico will celebrate Family Day with various initiatives underline the importance and value of the family. The main aims of the Day include: present, promote and preserve the family as the nucleus of society and cultural agent for handing on the most representative values from generation to generation; increase awareness in government, and in private and civil society of the social transcendence of the family and promote a culture which supports this reality; foster deeper family unity by encouraging better communication among family members; rightfully recognise the family as the best place for caring for children.
In a Message for Family Day 2007, Bishops’ Conference Family Delegate Bishop Rodrigo Aguilar Martínez of the diocese of Tehuacán said the Day will be "an opportunity to strengthen our convictions with regard to the value of the family in the life of the Church and in the life of society". The Bishop urges families to strive to build ever deeper communion “not sentimental", “but sincere and open communication, acceptance and willingness to listen and understand and share one another’s joys and concerns". Deeper communion will help family members to face discussion with realism, hope and readiness to forgive. "A united family is a home and school of communion for other families " the Bishop concluded.
Planned initiatives for Sunday 4 March include a Family Marathon expected to draw about three thousand athletes. For the occasion and for the 15th anniversary of its opening, the Mexican Section the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family is organising an act of Homage to the Servant of God, John Paul II, defender of life, marriage and the family. The act will be made at the end of a special Mass presided by Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Archbishop of Mexico City.
The Basilica Guadalupe will celebrate Family Day with the theme “United Families under the Protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe” with 9am Mass presided by Mgr. Diego Monroy Ponce, rector of the Shrine followed by 10.30 conference on "The Family and Our Lady of Guadalupe". There will be various activities of amusement and evangelisation and the day will close with concert. During Lent the prayer group ‘Praying for Mexico’ has launched a campaign of prayer for all families in Mexico to strengthen them in their values, unity and faith. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 2/3/2007; righe 36, parole 507)
