CHRISTIAN FAMILIES

"MORE NECESSARY THAN EVER"

The need for the mission of Christian families becomes more necessary than ever. Their example of joy and self-giving, of hard work and the capacity for sacrifice in the footsteps of the Holy Family can be crucial in encouraging other families to respond to the grace of their vocation.

"HUMILITY AND SIMPLICITY"

How attractive the model of a Christian family can be! In its humility and simplicity, its witness of domestic life can become a most effective vehicle of evangelization.

"DIFFICULT FAMILY SITUATIONS"

It is ... right that the various institutions of the Church should give it attention and care. Likewise, they should not stop providing the necessary support in those difficult family situations that require greater pastoral assistance, such as ... that of divorced persons who have remarried.

"DANGEROUS SHADOW"

Certain pieces of legislation that do not correspond with the true good of the family based on monogamous marriage and with the protection of the inviolability of human life, have been passed allowing the dangerous shadow of the "culture of death" to creep into the home.

"A NEW 'PRO-LIFE' CULTURE"

Pro-family and pro-life associations and movements are spreading. With their generous efforts, people of good will are helping to develop a new "pro-life" culture.

"A LUMINOUS SIGN OF GOD'S LOVE"

"Family, believe in what you are; believe in your vocation to be a luminous sign of God's love."

FAITHFUL AND EVANGELICAL FAMILIES

Family, be for the people of our time a "sanctuary of life." Christian family, be a "domestic church," faithful to your evangelical vocation.

LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

The family that lives the requirements of love and forgiveness to the full becomes the main bulwark of the civilization of love and the hope for the future of humanity.

(Source: Message to Pontifical Council for the Family, issued November 22, 2001)