Jean-Paul Kamba, SJ – Vatican City

After several days reflecting on Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, participants at the gathering themed, “Ten Years After Amoris Laetitia: Proclaiming the Gospel with Families Today” concluded their discussions, among other things, by focusing on the missionary vocation of Christian families.

Speaking to Vatican News regarding the gathering, Angola’s Archbishop Jose Manuel Imbamba said the key takeaways for him were the need to protect the dignity of the family and to accompany families in crises.

The Archbishop described Amoris Laetitia as, “a reference document on conjugal love, marriage and the family.” He stressed the importance of recognising the family as a privileged place to pass on the faith and learn human and Christian values.

“We must recognise the need to safeguard the dignity of the family and preserve it as a privileged school of faith,” he said. He also reiterated the description of the family as a domestic Church, where sharing and solidarity are learned and lived.

In a world where many difficulties can weaken the family as an institution, the Angolan prelate calls for renewed efforts to support families and enable them to continue their educational, spiritual, and human mission.

The CEAST president also stresses the urgent need for a pastoral presence that is attentive to the difficulties families face. The challenges confronting many families call for practical support that can help couples and their loved ones in concrete ways that preserve the spiritual dimension of family life.

Archbishop Imbamba observed that discussions during the recent conference helped participants become “aware of the urgent need to work alongside families as they face the various difficulties and vulnerabilities they encounter.”

Ultimately, the CEAST president prayed for families, that they may be recognised as a resource for society and as a place where everyone can grow in love.

“May God bless all families, and may the world see in the family an opportunity, a school, a Church where life and love are possible.”

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