VATICAN CITY (CNS): Pope John Paul II said he hoped this year’s Christmas celebrations would highlight the importance of the family in modern society.
“Christmas is the ideal feast of the family, because God, by being born into a human family, chose it as the first community to be consecrated by his love,” the Pope said on December 15.
He said the world “needs a sign of hope that should come from Christian families”, and he said the World Family Congress in Manila, Philippines, in January could provide a good opportunity.
The pontiff prayed to Mary to protect all the families of the world, especially those living in great poverty and other difficult situations.
“May every family nucleus open the doors to the Lord who will come at Christmas to bring the world joy, peace and love,” he said.
