Benedict VXI on the Family and the Future of Humanity

In his words at today's midday Angelus, Pope Benedict spoke about the Holy Family, drawing from the Gospel reading for Mass (Luke 2:41-52) about Mary and Joseph finding Jesus in the temple.  Speaking in Spanish about a demonstration for the family held today in Madrid, the Pope said encouraged Christians "to bear witness serenely but firmly that the family is based on the marriage of a man and a woman, so as to safeguard it and promote it, because it is of the utmost importance for the present and the future of humanity."  Here is his English-language greeting after the Angelus prayer:

"I am happy to greet all the English-speaking visitors present at this Angelus prayer. Today we celebrate with joy the Feast of the Holy Family, who shared with us this fundamental human experience. I pray that the Lord may bless all Christian families and assist them in living their daily life in mutual love and in generosity to others, after the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. May Almighty God continue to bless you all with peace and joy during this Christmas Season!"

I will add a link to a full translation when available.  The Daily Bulletin has the original text in Italian, with the Spanish portion as mentioned, and with greetings in several languages.  Asia News has an article.

Later in the day, the Pope visited a soup kitchen to have lunch with the poor of Rome.  Vatican Radio has an audio report on that visit and on the earlier Angelus address.

Comments

[Convenor]

It would be very kind if you would link to/blogroll/follow our blog:

www.catholicheritage.blogspot.com

God bless you!

St. Conleth's Catholic Heritage Association (Ireland)

[Teresa]

I'm sure the occasion will arise. You have some beautiful and interesting photographs on your blog. I'll take a look at it from time to time.