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.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO FROM THOSE MEMORABLE DAYS IN AUGUST 2018:
Official Prayer for World Meeting of Families 2018
'God, our Father, We are brothers and sisters in Jesus your Son, One family, in the Spirit of your love. Bless us with the joy of love. Make us patient and kind, Gentle and generous, Welcoming to those in need. Help us to live your forgiveness and peace. Protect all families with your loving care, Especially those for whom we now pray:
(we pause and remember our family members and others by name).
Increase our faith, Strengthen our hope, Keep us safe in your love, Make us always grateful for the gift of life that we share. We ask this, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mary, mother and guide, pray for us. St Joseph, father and protector, pray for us. Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us. Saints Louis and Zéile Martin, pray for us'.