19th March – Solemnity of S. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Mother of God
To-day, the fifth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris lætitia on the joy and beauty of family life and love, Pope Francis inaugurated the ‘Year Amoris Lætitia Family’ which will conclude in June next year on the occasion of the 10th World Meeting of Families in Rome.
The past year has put a great strain on many and many kinds of family we all have. Now there is the opportunity to explore ways to rebuild family life in its many facets of our nation’s life. All -young and old, rich and poor, single and married- are called to contribute not only to the debate about family life, but to the positive example we are able to give to the world through the witness of our faith knowing we have with us the support and intercession of the most powerful and yet humble of families, that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Amoris lætitia is available on the Vatican website: http://www.vatican.va/content/dam/francesco/pdf/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia_en.pdf
as too is information and resources from The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life : http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/it/amoris-laetitia.html
‘In this time of pandemic, among so many psychological, as well as economic and health discomforts, all this has become evident: family ties have been and still are severely tested, but at the same time they remain the strongest point of reference, support stronger, the irreplaceable garrison for the seal of the entire human and social community.
‘Let us therefore support the family! Let's defend it from what compromises its beauty. Let us approach this mystery of love with amazement, with discretion and tenderness. And let us commit ourselves to safeguarding his precious and delicate bonds: children, parents, grandparents… These bonds are needed to live and to live well, to make humanity more fraternal.’
P. Francis 19 March 2021 Solemnity of St. Joseph, beginning of the Year of the Amoris Laetitia Family