Ireland welcomes the World Meeting of Families

The World Meeting of Families begins today in Dublin, Ireland.  The theme of this gathering, which is taking place from 21 to 26 August, is The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World. Held every three years, this major international event brings together families from across the world to celebrate, pray and reflect upon the central importance of marriage and the family as the cornerstone of our lives, of society and of the Church.

The programme for this week's gathering includes some key moments:

• the National Opening of the World Meeting of Families which will take place simultaneously in all the dioceses of Ireland;
• a three-day conference including daily reflections on the theme The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World chosen by the Holy Father and including an enriching programme for adults made up of keynote speakers, workshops, talks, testimonies and discussions; an engaging and exciting programme for young people as well as enjoyable activities for children. The Congress will also include the daily celebration of the Eucharist, prayerful activities, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances;
• a Festival of Families which will take place on Saturday, 25 August, comprising a reflective concert style event within a prayerful and joyful atmosphere, in which personal stories of faith will be shared by families from all continents; and
• a solemn Eucharistic celebration which will gather people from all over Ireland and around the world.

Those who will lead the panels and workshops include parents, family members, priests, religious, business leaders, industry experts and those who will share personal experience of issues that are a challenge in daily family life.  With speakers coming from all five major continents of the world, the programme is international and varied. Around 80% of contributors are lay speakers, mostly couples, while around 20% are clergy and religious.

The official hymn for the World Meeting of Families is entitled A Joy for all the Earth.  It was composed by Ephrem Feeley.