October 2013: Calling on all families to meet Pope Francis in Rome




July 31, 2013. (Romereports.com) This year, the Vatican plans to celebrate family to highlight its role a fundamental institution in Christian life. To celebrate this, the Vatican is organizing a unique pilgrimage to St. Peter's tomb.

The event, which will take place on Saturday, October 26th and Sunday 27th, is sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Family. It's included in the list of celebrations for the Year of Faith. Specifically, the Council wants to emphasize the the key role the family plays in transmitting the faith to younger generations.

Msgr. Carlos Simón Vázquez
Under-Secretary, Pontifical Council for the Family
“We think that this is an excellent way to end the Year of Faith. This pilgrimage underlines how the family is the first and fundamental means of transmitting faith in the new millennium. It is where one lives faith, passes it on and witnesses it.”

In the summer of 2012, World Day of Families in Milan was attended by nearly one million pilgrims. The five day celebration, was led by Pope Benedict XVI. This time, the pilgrimage is set to take place on Saturday between Rome's Piazza del Popolo and St. Peter's Square. There, Pope Francis is scheduled to join the pilgrims to celebrate their faith. The following day, the Pope will celebrate a Mass in St. Peter's Square to mark the end of the pilgrimage.

Msgr. Carlos Simón Vázquez
Under-Secretary, Pontifical Council for the Family
“We're very happy that the Pope, with his words and his presence, will encourage and strengthen the faith of these families."

The Pilgrimage of Families also features other side events, like a drawing, photography and song contest for both children and teenagers.

Msgr. Carlos Simón Vázquez
Under-Secretary, Pontifical Council for the Family
“Drawings, photos and songs will be judged by an experienced jury, that will select the best ones and present them to the Pope.”

Admission to the event is free, but registration is mandatory. The registration deadline is September 30th and to make it official, one simply needs to visit event's website at www.familia.va

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