What are the plans for the 10th World Meeting of Families?
On the occasion of the 10th World Meeting of Families (WMF) that will take place in Rome, 22 – 26 June 2022, the CCCB Standing Committee for Family and Life has produced a short video message to bring to life the theme “Family Love: Vocation and Path to Holiness”. Through storytelling and with renewed enthusiasm, let us create opportunities in the Church for speaking heart to heart (cf. AL, n. 234). As a family of families, let us meet together, learn how to be communities, and support one another in our joys and our sufferings. Let us care for one another. “The Joy of Love experienced by families is also the joy of the Church.” (AL, n. 1)
Canadian Delegation to Rome
As stipulated by the Holy See (Vatican), participation at the meeting in Rome is reserved for a pre-established number of international delegates appointed by episcopal conferences or ecclesial movements and family associations. The number of delegates is itself proportional to the size of the episcopal conference. As such, the Holy See has invited the CCCB to appoint 12 delegates to attend the meeting in Rome comprised of bishops, a priest, and couples.
Resources for Local Celebrations
The purpose of the WMF is to place families at the center of pastoral attention, which is reflected in this year’s theme, “Family Love: Vocation and Path to Holiness.” While COVID-19 will allow only a limited number of delegates to gather in Rome for this WMF, all families who wish are welcome to participate in and draw inspiration from this event, thanks to local celebrations, be it in their own homes, at their parishes, or in special diocesan events. Pope Francis invites every Catholic family to take advantage of this important ecclesial moment and, for those who can, he looks forward to joining them virtually via live streaming of the WMF event from Rome. The WMF is part of the current synodal journey of the Church and can prove to be a valuable experience of the “participation, communion and mission” of families in the life of the Church.
Parishes and dioceses are encouraged to plan initiatives for this “Family Week” in unity with families and dioceses worldwide. This event is an occasion to reinvigorate joy in the family as an image of God’s infinite love, and in turn, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, to support Catholic families as they bear witness to the Gospel of Christ’s love.
Resources from the CCCB Standing Committee for Family and Life
The CCCB Standing Committee on Family and Life will propose activities, initiatives and resources for dioceses and parishes to facilitate local participation. They include a short video message and a National Rosary for the Family.
- National Rosary for the Family | 19 June 2022
Created by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network and the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the Rosary for the Family is a beautiful initiative that we will pray together in our national context. The virtual event for families is an opportunity to gather in prayer as well as to witness other families across the country.
