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INTENTION : |
That initiatives which defend and uphold the role of the family may be promoted within society.
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This month, in which the World Family Congress is celebrated in Milan, Italy, the Pope's intention seeks to promote initiatives to strengthen the family, which is being attacked in various ways and is deeply wounded.
It is not unreasonable to assert that the problems some people have with drugs, pornography, delinquency and so on, have their origin to a large extent in their families, which did not accept them, love them, educate them, give them the support they needed. All human beings need to feel loved and supported by their parents, and for parents to give them good example and put them on the road to following it. If this is lacking, they feel bad, and don't care what they do, because they do not feel loved, respected, or accepted.
The family is the nucleus, the basis and foundation of society, and so that society may be healthy and prosperous, we need to take care of the family, founded by one man and one woman, that they may teach their children how to be a man or a woman, how to live in society, inculcating good habits in the family. In this way each family will be a leaven of love, a school where people learn how to be builders of peace and justice. Only in this way will society improve little by little and recover from its wounds. Its problems will not be solved if we wait for the solution to come from outside, for 'someone' to bring about change in society. The solution lies in the family itself, that it may change and transform society through its members.
If you are the father of a family, consider that the Lord has given you a great mission with your children. Work for them. Give them good example, taking care over what comes into your home, through magazines, television and so on. Think that you are giving a witness to your children, that they are watching you, and that some day they will copy your good and bad qualities, and will do what you do. Make sure that you are a father who is there, who shares life with his family. Let there be sports and activities together. Respect your wife and treat her with courtesy and love. Be faithful in your marriage, and make your wife and children happy. Take care of your spiritual life, your moral values, and try to build your home on solid foundations: Jesus Christ, justice, truth, respect, honour, patriotism, and so on. Share with your wife in household tasks and the upbringing of your children, forming their consciences properly, showing them clearly what is right and what is wrong. Have clear boundaries and see that your children keep them.
If you are the mother of a family, protect and accept with love, from their conception, the treasure of the children whom God has given you. Show your closeness to each member of your family by your compassion, love, readiness for dialogue, fidelity and respect. If you work outside your home, carry out your double working day with love, because when you come home your duty as mother and wife is waiting for you. If you are a single mother, carry out your mission as an exemplary mother, with dignity. Foster in your children love for brothers and sisters, healthy recreation and culture. Give your children some responsibility in the home, even while they are little, so that they feel that they are part of the family, and that their work is for everybody's benefit. Know and practise your religion, bring the family together for prayer. Teach them to pray, to love and trust in God and Our Lady, who ought to be present in your home. Keep up family traditions, which unite the family and preserve harmony in your home. Form the children in good habits: order, cleanliness, sincerity, education, patience, and give good example, showing love to others.
If you are a son or daughter, show gratitude to your parents, helping them in whatever ways you can, respecting them, obeying them and showing understanding if they make mistakes. Trust them and talk to them about what is happening to you, so that they can help you. Follow their advice, which is the best, because they are seeking your good. Be a good son or daughter, a good brother or sister, so that when you grow up you can start a good family of your own.
Pray to the Lord that each family may be a light in the world and in society, an example for everyone, that it may be a leaven of love, understanding and respect.
Maria Carmen Celayeta
Mother, writer and member of the Apostleship of Prayer in Mexico
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