MESSAGE, SIGNED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE, TO THE PRESIDENT
OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
ON THE OCCASION OF THE "ASIAN CONFERENCE ON THE FAMILY"
ON THE THEME "FAMILIES OF ASIA: LIGHTS OF HOPE "

[Manila, 13-16 May 2014]

 

The Most Reverend Socrates B. Villegas
Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan
President
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

The Holy Father was pleased to be informed of the “Asian Conference on the Family” to be held from 13 to 16 May 2014 with the theme “Families of Asia: Lights of Hope”. Recalling that the “family is the fundamental cell of society where we learn to live with others despite our differences and to belong to one another” (Evangelii Gaudium, 66), His Holiness calls upon all the lay faithful gathered to deepen their experience of faith and communion, under the guidance of the Successor of Peter and the Bishops, so as to be a leaven of Christ’s love in the midst of humanity. Commending all present and their families to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Saint Joseph, the Holy Father willingly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and joy in our Lord Jesus.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State