Fourth World Meeting of the Holy Father with Families
His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila, has written the
following words to bishops and pro-life groups throughout the world:
"Upon the mandate of the Holy See, through the Pontifical Council for the
Family, the Archdiocese of Manila is hosting the Fourth World Meeting of
Families from 25-26 January 2003 and the International Theological and Pastoral
Congress from 23-24 January 2003. This will be a very historic event since it is
the first time that this gathering will be held in Asia. The Holy Father has
always expressed his desire to intensify evangelization efforts in this vast
continent, which is home to two-thirds of the world's population. He has called
the Third Millennium, the "Asian Millennium" - the millennium for the
proclamation of the name and Gospel of Jesus in Asia. As Christians, we are
called "to share with our Asian brothers and sisters what we treasure as the
gift containing all gifts, namely, the Good News of Jesus Christ." (Ecclesia in
Asia, 19).
"The theme for the Congress and Meeting is "The Christian Family: Good News
for the Third Millennium," which has been chosen by the Holy Father. This is
very timely since the role and mission of the different members of the family
face increasing difficulties and sometimes confusion, on account of rapid social
change and new pressures and threats. Indeed, the family is not just the object
of the Church's evangelization efforts but is also recognized as one of the
vital agents of evangelization. It is especially through the family that our
civilization can truly embody the values and truths of the Gospel."
Following is a brief synopsis of the Program of Activities from January
23-25, 2003:
The Fourth World Meeting of Families will have two congresses. One is the
International Theological and Pastoral Congress (ITPC), which is a main feature
of such World Meetings. This will involve a study and exposition of various
topics related to the theme to be facilitated by experts and theologians and
representative families from various countries.
The conference is expected to dwell extensively on the Holy Father's
Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Asia and other documents of the
Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences as they relate to the theme, "The
Christian Family: Good News for the Third Millennium."
Simultaneous with the ITPC will be the Congress of Sons and Daughters. The
participating children will be from six to 18 years old. A special method of
catechesis will be developed to bring about truly participative and interactive
sessions -- involving songs, dances, mimes, and games -- aimed at arousing in
these young minds the fervor to seek to know Jesus more and to have Him in their
lives, and also more, importantly, to bring this knowledge of Jesus and the Good
News to other people.
