Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma led recently the 10th World Meeting of Families in Cebu City.
In his homily, Archbishop Palms cited the important role played by the family in shaping and strengthening one’s faith and spiritual life.
“The family is God’s instrument in strengthening our faith despite our weaknesses as a man. The family inspires us to change our ways,” the Church leader said as he noted the many challenges faced by families.
“The values of the world tempt us in many varied ways and yet, despite all of these temptations, today, we declare: there is strength, there is grace, and there is hope because we know we have brothers and sisters who are willing to journey with us and to assure us that they are there to sustain us, to pray for us, to help us, to inspire us, and to support us,” Archbishop Palma stressed.
The congress was attended by more than a thousand representatives from different parishes. Pope Francis led the main celebration In Rome, Italy.
The theme for this year’s observance is ‘Family Love: A Vocation and a Path to Holiness.’
Meanwhile, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life said, the next World Meeting of Families will be in 2028. There will also be a Jubilee of Families in 2025 to coincide with the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church.