Chaput hopes World Meeting encourages Catholic families

Attracting over 17,500 participants from 100 nations, it is the largest meeting in the history of the event, which is organized by the Pontifical Council for the Family and has been held every three years since 1994.

A Kenyan delegation of 21 persons is in Philadelphia, United States for the World Meeting of Families.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia is going all out to welcome more than 30,000 anticipated religious visitors coming to town this week.

“All have come to affirm their commitment to the family as the foundation of a fruitful life”, the archbishop told reporters at the Pennsylvania Convention Center September 22. While in Philadelphia, Pope Francis will join celebrations at the Festival of Families and preside over the concluding Mass on 27 September.

The theme of the eighth global World Meeting of Families is “Love is Our Mission, The Family Fully Alive”. The program is expected to address various issues surrounding families including challenges, childrearing, finances, the bond between a man and woman, care for people with disabilities and the elderly, the role of grandparents, the loss of a spouse or child and divorce.

Paglia said it is unique that this World Meeting of Family is occurring one week before the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

“The image of family is really, really deep in the heart of the pope”, Paglia said.

“Because we do not need new definitions (of family)”, he continued. “I hope that we both encourage those that are here and that we find the tools needed to be an incredible witness of this wonderful understanding of the family to the world around us”.

The Kenyan Delegation left for Philadelphia, US on 19 September 2015, to represent the Kenyan Church at the 8th World Meeting of Families.

Christians do not marry or raise a family for personal satisfaction, he said.

“Headquartered in Philadelphia for almost 80 years, Independence Blue Cross is an integral part of the rich fabric of this vibrant city”, said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence president and CEO and co-chair of the WMOF Executive Leadership Cabinet. Paglia says, “It is the selfish individualism to think only about our self”. “Each person is a saint because they are loved by God”. “But family is meant as God, at the beginning of creation, established”.