What it was like at the World Day of Families

Five official delegates Bishop Mpako of Queenstown, Fr Chris Slater of the South African Council of Priests, Jonathan and Joyce Meth of Kokstads Family Life Office and myself, representing the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conferences Family Life Desk as well as Archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria in his personal capacity participated in the 7th World Meeting of Families in Milan.

Pope Benedict leads an evening service with families during the World Meeting of Families in Milan (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS)

The event included a three-day theological congress and two days of meetings and celebrations with Pope Benedict.

Some 6000 delegates from every continent participated in the congress which was presented almost entirely in Italian, with simultaneous translation into the main languages of the world. Africa was well represented by delegations of couples, priests and bishops from many English and French-speaking countries. Angola also had a large contingent. The Zimbabwean delegation was particularly noticeable because of the clothes of both men and women made from specially designed fabric.

At the Congress the presentations were on topics related to the theme The Family, Work and Celebration. There were sociological, spiritual and theological as well as life-related aspects. Women and work featured strongly. Where previously in the Church, women were encouraged more strongly to be mothers at home, the present-day reality and difficulties experienced by women, in our regions too, of women choosing and balancing work and family was repeatedly mentioned.

It was stressed that the family is a universal phenomenon, existing in a variety of forms, with experiences changing over time. The family is a foundation of and resource to society rather than a burden. All sectors of society and the Church are called on to recognise this aspect and provide for the familys needs in order to allow it to contribute effectively to the human capital that is essential in building a stable society.

Sociological research has revealed that stable families consisting of a married couple and two or more children provide the best outcome for future wellbeing. Building and supporting families in their task is a work of the Church, of society and importantly of families taking this responsibility seriously themselves too.

On the final days the Holy Father arrived. He met with and addressed a variety of groups, from civic authorities to priests and religious of the diocese, and he had an especially meaningful meeting with thousands of newly confirmed youth. As official delegates we were entertained at a concert at the famous La Scala Opera House and shared in prayers in the historical Duomo cathedral.

However the highlights for the families were the Saturday evening Feast of Testimonies attended by 350000 where Pope Benedict interacted with representative families sharing their stories, and the final Mass on Sunday morning in which close on a million people participated, including cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests and laity from around the world.

Exquisite music provided by massed choirs and an orchestra contributed to making this Mass a true celebration of being the Church together.

Apart from the restrictive language barrier, this World Meeting of Families for our Southern African delegation a most enriching and joyful experience with a strong challenge to increase our support for all aspects of the pastoral care of families.