the archdiocese launches a year of initiatives dedicated to the family

It will last until August 2023 and will focus on the guidelines that emerged during the tenth world meeting, held in Rome in June. Bishop Leow will preside at the inaugural Mass on August 21. The objective is to develop the theme chosen by the Pope and delve into the teachings of the encyclical Amoris Laetitia.

Kuala Lumpur () – The archdiocese of the capital is launching a series of activities to promote and support family life as the founding nucleus of society. The initiative will last one year, from August 2022 to the same month in 2023, and is in line with the theme and guidelines –Family life: vocation and path to holiness– that emerged in the tenth World Meeting of Familiesheld in Rome at the end of June.

In an interview with the Catholic newspaper Herald Malaysia, Father Peter Anthoney, ecclesiastical assistant for the Commission for Family Life, explained that the archdiocesan celebrations will begin with a solemn inaugural Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on August 21. The Archbishop, Monsignor Julian Leow, will preside over the Eucharistic celebration, and with it “the activities will officially begin” that “will continue throughout the year.”

The guidelines and the work will be based on the indications that emerged at the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families in Rome, paying attention “to issues related to everyday life.” The themes addressed in the testimonies of couples and families from around the world will also be taken into account. “We will use some of the guidelines and input from the sessions to organize events for our local Church,” adds the priest.

Our goal, Fr. Anthony continues, is “to develop the theme chosen by the Pope, taking into account some strong indications” that have emerged from the encyclical Amoris Laetitia, a central text for our work and “very present” for its contribution to the “development of family ministry”. In addition to the Inaugural Mass, some of the activities planned for 2022-2023 include sessions on Amoris Laetitia with deepening and revision of the document; talks about the family spread through podcast with topics selected based on the issues raised and discussed at the World Meeting of Families; moments of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament addressed to families; rosaries and family pilgrimages for the month of October 2022 and May 2023; support activities for the most needy families, such as single-parent families, those with disabled people, unfortunate migrant families. And also, an appointment with the cardinal, the Family Day 2023.

“The Archdiocesan Commission for Family Life”, concludes Fr. Peter Anthoney, “hopes that more and more families will benefit from the events organized. It is hoped to increase the “support and collaboration” with the clergy and ministers of worship. “Further information will be provided and updated regularly.”