Although somewhat unrelated to what will be happening in the United States of America next week, Pope Francis is currently embarking on a missionary journey to Asia. The central role of the family in society has been a featured theme of Pope Francis' dialogue with the Filipino people.
While addressing the diplomatic corps at Manila, Pope Francis stated:
"A fundamental role in the renewal of society is played, of course, by the family and especially by young people. A highlight of my visit will be my meetings with families and with young people here in Manila. Families have an indispensable mission in society. It is in the family that children are trained in sound values, high ideals and genuine concern for others. But like all God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed. It needs our support. We know how difficult it is for our democracies today to preserve and defend such basic human values as respect for the inviolable dignity of each human person, respect for the rights of conscience and religious freedom, and respect for the inalienable right to life, beginning with that of the unborn and extending to that of the elderly and infirm. For this reason, families and local communities must be encouraged and assisted in their efforts to transmit to our young the values and the vision which can help bring about a culture of integrity – one which honors goodness, truthfulness, fidelity and solidarity as the firm foundation and the moral glue which holds society together."
He later reminded families in the Philippines that any threat to the family, is a threat to society.
Hundreds of thousands of young people will descend upon Washington D.C. next week to march for families. Without the family, no human life is possible. And sadly, there is a crisis of the family in society today. In order to reverse the tide, we need to continually remind the culture that all human life is sacred. The family is the first school in which children learn their own worth and value.
There are still spots available on the MRA bus. Please consider helping us pass along the values and vision that will restore the family to its indispensable role in society. Sponsorship funds are available.
If you are interested in sponsoring a young pilgrim, donations can be made online as well.