SONS OF THE HOLY FAMILY: CENTENARY OF PONTIFICAL APPROVAL

VATICAN CITY, JUN 22, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from the Holy Father to Fr. Luis Picazo, superior general of the Sons of the Holy Family, on the occasion of celebrations marking the centenary of the pontifical approval of the institute.

In the Message, dated June 16, the Pope invites the religious to "promote coordinated and incisive action in order to bring to all sectors of society the evangelical message that sanctifies conjugal life, giving cohesion to the family group that welcomes life, guarantees education and transmits the faith."

"Furthermore," writes the Pope, "the centenary you are now celebrating calls for particular attention to the close bond that must link your apostolic activity with the doctrine and Magisterium of the Church. ... This concern - which was that of Blessed Jose Mayanet y Vives, your founder - is fitting for a faithful son of the Church; yet, it is also the fruit of a profound spirituality, forged in contemplating the mystery of the Nazarene household."

John Paul II concludes by affirming that "at the same time as proposing the Holy Family as the ideal of Christian life, all means must be employed so that, in the great family of God that is the Church, complete harmony and communion may reign."

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