6 Unforgettable Pieces Of Advice From Pope Francis To Families

by Family, Pope Francis

Pope Francis’ visit to the United States concluded just a few days ago. There, he left us with a series of clear ideas on what the Church believes and teaches regarding marriage as an institution, accentuating time and time again its importance.

On his way back from the US on the plane the Pope commented: “…marriage is indissoluble when it is a sacrament. And this the Church cannot change. It’s doctrine. It’s an indissoluble sacrament.” We heartily suggest that you take a look at the full transcript.

The subject of the family is on the hearts and minds of many. As such, we decided to offer a brief summary of some of the most important quotes mentioned by Pope Francis in his visit to the US.

Let us also continue to pray for the upcoming synod of the family!

1. God always knocks on the doors of our hearts.

[blockquote source]”God always knocks on the doors of our hearts. He likes to do that. He goes out from within. But do you know what he likes best of all? To knock on the doors of families. And to see families which are united, families which love, families which bring up their children, educating them and helping them to grow, families which build a society of goodness, truth and beauty.”[/blockquote]

2. The Family has a divine identity card.

[blockquote source]”We are celebrating the festival of families. The family has a divine identity card. Do you see what I mean? God gave the family an identity card, so that families could be places in our world where his truth, love and beauty could continue to take root and grow. Some of you may say to me: “Father, you can say that because you’re not married!”. Certainly, in the family there are difficulties. In families we argue. In families sometimes we throw dishes. In families children cause headaches. I’m not going to say anything about mothers-in-law! Families always, always, have crosses. Always. Because the love of God, the Son of God, also asked us to follow him along this way.”[/blockquote]

3. The special care that we must give children and grandparents.

[blockquote source]”We have to care in a special way for children and for grandparents. Children and young people are the future; they are our strength; they are what keep us moving forward. They are the ones in whom we put our hope. Grandparents are a family’s memory. They are the ones who gave us the faith, they passed the faith on to us. Taking care of grandparents and taking care of children is the sign of love – I’m not sure if it is the greatest, but for the family I would say that it is the most promising – because it promises the future. A people incapable of caring for children and caring for the elderly is a people without a future, because it lacks the strength and the memory needed to move forward.”[/blockquote]

4. Like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures.

Papa Francesco accarezza un bambino durante la visita ad Assisi, 4 ottobre 2013. ANSA/ CROCCHIONI

Papa Francesco accarezza un bambino durante la visita ad Assisi, 4 ottobre 2013. ANSA/ CROCCHIONI

[blockquote source]Faith opens a “window” to the presence and working of the Spirit. It shows us that, like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures. “Whoever gives you a cup of water in my name will not go unrewarded”, says Jesus (cf. 9:41). These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family; they get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children, by brothers and sisters. They are little signs of tenderness, affection and compassion. Like the warm supper we look forward to at night, the early lunch awaiting someone who gets up early to go to work. Homely gestures. Like a blessing before we go to bed, or a hug after we return from a hard day’s work. Love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs which make us feel at home. Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches… So we might ask ourselves, today, here, at the conclusion of this meeting: How are we trying to live this way in our homes, in our societies?”[/blockquote]

5. Open to miracles of love

[blockquote source]”Would that we could all be prophets! Would that all of us could be open to miracles of love to benefit our own families and all the families of the world, and thus overcome the scandal of a narrow, petty love, closed in on itself, impatient of others! I leave you with a question for each of you to answer – because I said the word “impatient”: at home do we shout at one another or do we speak with love and tenderness? This is a good way of measuring our love.”[/blockquote]

6. That families be the prophets of the joy of the Gospel

[blockquote source]”May God grant that all of us may be prophets of the joy of the Gospel, the Gospel of the family and family love, as disciples of the Lord. May he grant us the grace to be worthy of that purity of heart which is not scandalized by the Gospel! Amen.”[/blockquote]


Interested in continuing to strengthen your marriage and family life? Check out the newly released book: The Choice Wine: 7 Steps To A Superabundant Marriage; a free class from the Institute of Catholic Culture Flesh of My Flesh: The Marriage Covenant in Sacred Scripture or take a free video retreat “Three Hearts” to deepen your understanding of the vocation to marriage and family.

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