World Meeting of Families 2018 – Celebrating the Fifth Anniversary
This week marks five years since Ireland hosted the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, from 21 – 26 August 2018 (WMOF2018). This was a very significant celebration of family life in Ireland, attended by thousands including Pope Francis who has had the family at the heart of his pontificate over the past ten years. Pope Francis sees families as “God’s dream for humanity”.
Dioceses and parishes are encouraged to mark the anniversary in whatever way possible at their weekend liturgies, and on their social media platforms and websites. To this end, the following suggestions from the Council of Marriage and the Family may beof use:
- Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin will celebrate Mass in the Pro-Cathedral this Sunday 27 August at 11.00am. Those who are free to attend are most welcome.
- Suggested Prayers of the Faithful could be read by some who were involved (eg volunteered) at the WMOF2018, or who travelled to some of the events.
- WMOF2018 Prayer might be offered as a Post-Communion reflection. Copy of Prayer is attached.
- The CCO, together with the independent production company who own the rights to the Festival of Families, have produced a 30 minute video, for embedding in diocesan websites and sharing on social media, which is available below and at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d4xsX57b6g this 30 minute video will also appear on the iCatholic video feed.
- A Highlights Programme of the WMOF2018 will also be hosted on the RTÉ Player in the coming week.