Angelus: “A Bible for every family, to read often”

Vatican City, 5 October 2014 (VIS) – At midday, following the celebration of the Holy Mass for the inauguration of the Synod, the Holy Father appeared at the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to pray the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. He thanked the Pauline brothers who distributed Bibles to mark the centenary of their foundation. “With the inauguration of the Synod on the Family, with the help of the Pauline brothers we can say, a Bible in every family”, he said, remarking that “the Bible is not to be kept on a shelf, but rather kept at hand to be read often, every day, individually or together, husband and wife, parents and children, perhaps in the evening, especially on Sunday. In this way the family grows and goes forth, with the light and strength of the Word of God”.

The bishop of Rome invited all to “support the work of the Synod with prayer, invoking the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary”. He added, “In this moment we join spiritually with those who, in the Shrine of Pompeii, elevate the traditional 'Supplication' to Our Lady of the Rosary. May she obtain peace for families and for the entire world”.