The role of the family cannot be replaced: Card. Antonelli

International Day of the Family is celebrated worldwide on May 15th. Most people associate one's family with love, support and understanding. While all this is true, Cardinal Ennio Antonelli says, one cannot forget the  fundamental role families play within society.

CARD. ENNIO ANTONELLI
Pontifical Council for the Family
“Families transmit culture, religion, human values, social virtues, so it's truly a social mission, not a private one. The role of the family cannot be replaced.”

So precisely to highlight the importance of families, the Pontifical Council for the Family is getting ready for this year's World Meeting of Families in Milan which will kick off on  May 30th.  The gathering will welcome thousands of people, where the main goal is for families to strengthen their Catholic faith and their family unit.

CARD. ENNIO ANTONELLI
Pontifical Council for the Family
“We're hoping this conference Milan will bring about a reflection at an ecclesiastical level, at an episcopal level all the way to dioceses and local parishes.”

The conference will take place from May 30th  to June 3rd. In fact the Pope will close the event by celebrating Mass with thousands of families. The gathering itself will focus on three points, including family life, work and celebration.  Cardinal Antonelli says all three are needed to strengthen the family unit, which at its very core, makes up the fabric of society.