Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rafaela (Fides Service) - “The Joy of being a Family” is the title of a Pastoral letter issued by Bishop Carlos María Franzini of the diocese of Rafaela, in Argentina in which he suggest that "Lent can be an opportunity to rediscover the beauty and joy of being a family and that every human person is called to be part of a family because the Creator wished mankind to be a family". The Bishop recalls the pastoral commitment last year to: "consolidate the encounter with Jesus by intensifying sacramental life and being witnesses and servants of Christ each in his or her own reality in the diocese". Initiatives in this sense were organised in parishes, schools and Church movements. “The diocese aimed to help families overcome a present situation of crisis. Because this basic institution of the Church and society is seriously threatened, the diocese organised concrete initiatives of participation and accompaniment for families to help them realise their mission and assume their role as educators in the faith " the Bishop said.
Among the serious threats to the family the Bishop mentions: fragile bonds, fleeting commitment, economic situation, questioning of traditional values which support the family, a move to impose - in the name of ‘progress’ - new forms of "family”.... In this situation Bishop Franzini warns of the danger of scepticism and resignation. "The family has always been challenged explicitly or subtly. There have always been very Christian families and less Christian families". "Despite difficulties and attacks the family is still a necessary point of reference for the majority of Argentineans" the Bishop says, explaining that “Lent is a good time to give new value to our family experience, appreciate the goods things received from the family and strive to improve the things less good."
Among concrete initiatives the Bishop suggests: efforts to revitalise family catechesis on the occasion of preparation of children for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. He reminds families that they are natural schools where children learn to prepare for married life. As a sign of its concern for the family the diocese is organising a 1st Diocesan Family Meeting on Sunday 28 October. "With this initiative we intend to celebrate the joy of being family - the Bishop announces - and I ask you all to cooperate with prayer and commitment for this important event which will be central in the pastoral life in the diocese … Everything we do to help our families is also good for our country and its moral and institutional strengthening". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/3/2007; righe 34, parole 500)
