At the Angelus Pope Francis proposes a series of "evangelical virtues" that strengthen families, "meditation and prayer, mutual understanding and respect, self-sacrifice, work and solidarity." Families weakened by "misunderstandings and difficulties”. The need to communicate the joy of faith. Appeal for Cuban migrants. Thanks to a children's choir.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "The family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is for every believer, and especially for families, a true school of the Gospel. Here we admire the fulfillment of God's plan to make the family a special community of life and love. Here we learn that every Christian family is called to be a 'domestic church', to spread the light of the evangelical virtues and become a leaven for good in society".

This was Pope Francis’ reflection on the value of family and the Christian family in a time when it "is subject to misunderstandings and difficulties of various kinds that weaken it" ahead of praying the Angelus today.

Earlier this morning, the pontiff had presided at Mass in St Peter's Basilica, celebrating the Jubilee of Families, on the day when the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

The Pope did not list the "difficulties and misunderstandings" that weaken families, but in the years of his pontificate, at various times in his apostolic journeys, has highlighted the economic, consumerist gender ideologies and conflict between sexes as well as secularism. Francis recalled the "great meeting in Philadelphia, last September," and the "numerous families encountered during Apostolic journey’s", to the Philippines or Africa.

Returning to the Holy Family he listed the traits and values ​​that are needed, "meditation and prayer, mutual understanding and respect, self-sacrifice, work and solidarity."

"Our Lady and St. Joseph - he added - teach us to accept children as a gift from God, to generate them and educate them cooperating in a wonderful way in the Creator's work and giving the world, in every child, a new smile. It is in united families that children grow and mature, living the meaningful and effective experience of gratuitous love, tenderness, mutual respect, mutual understanding, forgiveness and joy".

The Pope wanted to dwell on the question of joy: "The joy that is experienced in the family is not something casual and accidental. It is a joy that is the fruit of the profound harmony between people, it helps us experience the beauty of being together, to support each other in the journey of life. But behind this joy is the presence of God, His welcoming love, gracious and patient towards all. If the door of the family is not open to the presence of God and His love, the family loses harmony, individualism prevails, and joy is quenched. Instead the family that lives the joy of faith communicates it spontaneously, is salt of the earth and light of the world, is leaven for the whole society. "

“May Jesus, Mary and Joseph - he concluded - bless and protect all families in the world, so that the serenity and joy, justice and peace that Christ being born brought as a gift to mankind may reign in them".

After the Marian prayer, Francis has called for prayers for the "Cuban migrants who are in difficulties in Central America, many of whom are victims of human trafficking." Several Central American countries are in fact blocking the immigration of Cuban refugees and also are pushing the United States to change its admissions policy.

"I invite the countries of the region - said the Pope - to generously renew all necessary efforts to find a timely solution to this humanitarian tragedy"

Among his final greetings, Francis wanted to thank a group of children who had sung a song before the Angelus, causing delay for a short time to his reflection.

"Thank you – he said – to all the children who sang so well - and they will again - a Christmas carol in honor of families."

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