Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said he was very pleased to hear that Pope
Francis told Taoiseach Enda Kenny this morning that he hopes to visit
Ireland for a short visit for the World Meeting of Families in 2018. He said it confirms the importance of the World Meeting for the Church in Ireland and around the world.
Preparations for the World Meeting are already underway. Archbishop Martin is on his way to Rome this afternoon (Monday) to meet with Cardinal Kevin Farrell head of the Pontifical Council for the Family who will be planning the World Meeting, with the host diocese of Dublin.
Archbishop Martin said it was an important gift from Pope Francis to the Irish Church and the Church globally.
He said he welcomed the fact that the Taoiseach had reiterated the government’s commitment to providing all appropriate arrangements in the event of Pope Francis coming to Ireland in August of 2018.
The World Meeting of Families is an initiative which was introduced by Saint John Paul II. Held every three years, this major world event celebrates family as the cornerstone of our lives, and the fundamental building block of society and the Church.
Families from all over the world will gather in Dublin from 22-26 August 2018 to reflect on the theme chosen by Pope Francis for WMOF2018 which is, The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World.
The event will consist of a joyful and reflective programme of workshops, talks and discussions for adults; an engaging and exciting programme for young people as well as faith and fun activities for children. WMOF2018 will include the daily celebration of Mass, a festival of families event, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances, events around the city, gestures of solidarity with those in need, and much more.
World Meeting of Families is promoted by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.
In September 2016, this new Dicastery brought together the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical Academy for Life.
The Prefect of the new Dicastery is Dublin-born Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell.
For more on the WMOF2018 see www.worldmeeting2018.ie.