Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Catholic News

Home

Home
Catholic
Religion News
Churches, families must be places of welcome, Pope says

Churches, families must be places of welcome, Pope says

Last updated on: September 9, 2015 at 1:13 pm by CNA Daily News

Churches, families must be places of welcome, Pope says 2015-09-09T13:13:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Sep 9, 2015 / 07:13 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis Wednesday spoke of the bond which must exist between families and the Christian community, stressing that the Church, in following the Gospel, must always keep its doors open.

"Churches, parishes, and institutions whose doors are closed should not call themselves churches,” the Pope said. “They should call themselves museums!”

The Church, in living out the Gospel, must welcome people “with doors open, always,” he said.

The Pope's remarks on the family at his Sept. 9 General Audience are the latest in a series of weekly catecheses, beginning last year as part of the lead-up to the World Day of Families in September, as well as October’s Synod of Bishops on the Family.

During the Audience, Pope Francis focused on the relationship between the family and the Christian community. Citing the Vatican II document Lumen Gentium, he explained this relationship falls within the context of the Church being a spiritual family, and the family being a small Church.

“The Christian community is the home of those who believe in Jesus as the source of fraternity among all men,” he said.

“The Church walks among the people, in the history of men and women, of fathers and mothers, of sons and daughters: This is the history which counts for the Lord.”

Although there are major world events which appear in the history books, the Pope said “the history of human affection is written directly on the heart of God; and this is the story that remains in eternity.”

“The family is the place of our initiation – unique, indelible – into this history: to this history of full life, which ends in contemplation of God for all eternity in Heaven, but (which) begins in the family!”
Pope Francis reflected on how Jesus, who himself was born into a family, was “assimilated into the human condition” for thirty years before establishing a community around himself.

“This is the meaning of the word 'church',” the pontiff said.

The community formed around Jesus was not an “exclusive sect,” but included “the hungry and the thirsty, the stranger and the persecuted, the sinner and the publican, the pharisee and the crowds,” the Pope said, adding that the disciples were tasked with caring for “this family of God's guests.”

“The strengthening of the bond between the family and the Christian community is essential and urgent,” he said.

“There is need of a generous faith for rediscovering the intelligence and courage” needed for renewing this alliance.

Acknowledging that many families many feel they lack the strength and ability to be welcoming, the Pope nonetheless reminded them that this strength and ability comes from God.

“Without the grace of God, we can do nothing,” he said. “The Lord never arrives in a new family without performing some miracle.”

The Christian community is also called to do its part, Pope Francis said: for instance, by looking to rise above overly legislative and utilitarian attitudes, “favoring interpersonal dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.”

“Families take on initiatives and responsible for bringing their precious gifts to the community.”

“The family and parish must carry out the miracle of a more communal life for the whole of society.”

Pope Francis concluded by inviting families and parish communities to be inspired by Mary at the wedding feast of Cana, who told her hosts: “Do whatever he tells you.”

“In doing all that Jesus tells us,” he said, “we find ourselves in facing a miracle, a miracle every day!”

Vatican

Previous Post

September 9, 2015

US bishops urge anti-suicide provisions in proposal for end-of-life counseling

Next Post

September 9, 2015 Here's a look at the state of the Church Pope Francis will find in Cuba

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does the name "Abraham" mean?

Select your answer to see how you score.

He laughs God is my judge Father of many My joy