Pope tells Asian families to deepen their faith and communion, act as a leaven of Christ's love
Manila (AsiaNews) - Asian lay people are called to "deepen their experience of faith and communion" under the "guidance" of the bishops "so as to be a leaven of Christ's love in the midst of humanity," said the pope in a message to the participants of the weeklong conference on the "Charter of Rights of the Family" that began today in Manila.
With the theme, 'Families of Asia: Lights of Hope', the four-day convention aims to generate discussion on the family today " following Pope Francis' exhortation at the Pilgrimage of Families in the Year of Faith, dubbed the "Family, Live the Joy of Faith."
Bishop Jean Laffitte, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family, is set to open the convention, joined by bishops from Indonesia, Laos-Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Taiwan.
Mgr Joseph Pinto, nuncio to the Philippines, delivered the papal message to educators, catechists, politicians, Religious, and bishops gathered in Manila this week for the Asian Conference on the Family.
In it, Pope Francis calls on Catholics to work under the "guidance" of the bishops "so as to be a leaven of Christ's love in the midst of humanity".
The pontiff, Pinto said, was "pleased" the gathering was focusing on the family as the "fundamental cell of society".
At the meeting, which will end on Friday, the clergy and civil society representatives will focus their discussion on various aspects of family life.
Human life International President Fr Shenan Boqueton, Attorney Luisito Liban and the family of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide will also talk at the conference.
Many young people are also expected at the gathering. The last day of the event is slated in fact to focus on youth.
Catholics as well as Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims are expected to pray together for the family.
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