Pope recalls plight of refugee families, issues prayer to Holy Family for synod

December 30, 2013

In his Sunday Angelus address on the Feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis recalled that “God chose to be born into a human family” and said that millions of refugee families unfortunately identify with the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt.

Decrying the plight of victims of human trafficking and slavery, the Pontiff also lamented the hidden suffering of the elderly who experience rejection in their own families. After recalling “three key words to live in peace and joy in the family” – please, thank you, and I am sorry – Pope Francis prayed to the Holy Family for the success of the upcoming synod on the family.

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you we turn with trust,” he prayed. “Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches.”

“Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing,” he continued. “Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer.”

 

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Further information:

• Le Parole Del Papa Alla Recita Dell’Angelus (Holy See)
• Angelus, 29 December 2013 - Prayer to the Holy Family (Holy See)