Pope Francis said there is a joy that “comes precisely from being family, perceived as a gift, with an intimate sense of gratitude.”
In his address to the Forum of Family Associations in Italy, Pope Francis explained that ” the joy of being a family does not mean that everything is going well, that there are no problems “.
“We all know that family life is made up of happy moments and other painful ones, of more serene periods and other more difficult ones, sometimes hard ones,” said Pope Francis.
“But there is a joy -he explained-, which can go through all these situations, because it is found at a deeper level, and which comes precisely from being family, perceived as a gift, with an intimate sense of gratitude”.
The Holy Father pointed out that this is a thank you “that is directed first of all to God, and then to our ancestors, great-grandparents, grandparents, parents; but also to the children and grandchildren, of course, because the little ones regenerate the Amoris Laetitia in the older ones and in the adults”.
“ I am not talking about an ideal family , about a standard model that must be applied to be happy. Each family has its own trajectory and history, just like each person”, the Pope clarified.
“I’m talking about the concrete reality of so many families in which parents and children, along with grandparents, uncles, cousins, try to get ahead every day, without following worldly models, but with a style of simplicity and service,” he said next.
Later, Pope Francis said that ” the testimony of being a family is a joyful gift that inspires gratitude ” and thanked those present for their work on behalf of families in Italy.
Along these lines, Pope Francis said that “a Christian family can never close itself in its own shell; he cannot say: we are fine, the others can manage!”.
“The Christian family – but I would say that every family founded on love – is open and attentive to what happens outside the home, seeks to be welcoming and supportive,” he defended.
Therefore, he indicated that the ” family is called to be a factor of fraternity and social friendship, rooted in a territory and at the same time open to the world.”
“Thanks also to your initiatives, the birth rate has come to occupy a prominent place on the political agendas,” said the Holy Father, who encouraged “going from words to deeds” and seeking expert advice over and above the parties.
“Take care, as couples and as families! Dedicate time to prayer, to dialogue among yourselves and with your children, and to community life in the Church”, the Holy Father said finally.