Pope speaks on togetherness in families

November 11, 2015

Continuing his weekly catechesis on the family, Pope Francis devoted his November 11 general audience to the importance of togetherness.

“Sitting at table for the family dinner, sharing our meal and the experiences of our day, is a fundamental image of togetherness and solidarity,” the Pope told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the official English-language synthesis of his remarks.

“Because Jesus gave us the Eucharist as a meal, there is a close relationship between families and the Mass,” he continued. “The togetherness we experience in our families is meant, in the family of the Church, to extend to all as a sign of God’s universal love. In this way the Eucharist becomes a school of inclusion, in which we learn to be attentive to the needs of everyone.”

The Pope added:

Sadly, the family meal, this great symbol of togetherness, is disappearing in some societies. Food itself, the very sign of our sharing with other, is wantonly wasted in some places, while our brothers and sisters go hungry in others. The Eucharist reminds us that our bread is meant to be shared with all. May our families, and the entire Church, be signs of togetherness and solidarity for the good of the whole human family, especially during the coming Jubilee of Mercy. 

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis General Audience 2015.11.11 (Vatican Radio)
• Pope Audience: Family togetherness (Vatican Radio)