Cardinal reflects on family responsibilities at CCBI meet 2nd day

Mangalore Today News Network

Bhopal, Feb 03, 2017:  The second day of the 29th Plenary Assembly of CCBI,Conference of Catholic Bishops of India  serious reflections on  family/parental responsibilities by Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, the Secretary General, Synod of Bishops.

Recollecting the past memories of India as its Apostolic Nuncio from 1999 to 2002, the Italian cardinal called India, a blessed land.

Catholic bishops from 132 Latin dioceses at the meet are deliberating on issues concerning Families in Asia with a special focus on India.

In his message during the Eucharistic celebration Cardinal Baldisseri said, “A father does not “educate” his children by always saying ‘yes’; indeed it is sometimes necessary to say ‘no’ to help the child grow and improve.”

“Being a father is a difficult and demanding job.” With reference to Pope Francis, the Cardinal reminded the fathers of the families not to neglect their children’s upbringing. They must exert themselves in ‘making time’ for their children.

Reflecting on the Bible readings of the day the cardinal pointed out to the meaning of human sufferings permitted by God. “Promoting the Joy of Love in our Families” was the central point of the keynote address of the Cardinal.

He strongly exhorted Bishops, priests and pastoral workers to create a renewed enthusiasm in family ministry. Citing Pope Francis he said: “Today there is a world war to destroy marriage. Today there are ideological colonisations which destroy, not with weapons, but with ideas.”

Amoris Laetitia, the Apostolic Exhortation on families, is a gift of Pope Francis to families during the Jubilee of Mercy. Its contents, therefore, provide a basis for all pastoral activity on behalf of families and for Promoting the Joy of Love in Families.

A cultural programme was held on Feb 1 evening at the St. Joseph Co-ed School Auditorium to welcome the CCBI participants and also to accord a special welcome and honour to the ‘Guests’ from the Vatican and the Nunciature.

A dance drama based on the life of St. Mother Teresa was presented on the occasion.