On Sunday 26th June 2022, our diocese gathered together to celebrate family life, with the latest global celebration of the World Meeting of Families. In 2018, many from our diocese travelled to Dublin for the conference but this year Pope Francis has asked dioceses to stay at home and celebrate in their own areas.
As the service of thanksgiving got underway, Sam and Louis Canning, part of the diocesan marriage and family life team welcomed those who had travelled to be in the cathedral in person and those who were watching through the live streaming facility.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the Wedding Feast At Cana, Bishop David encouraged families to give their struggles to Jesus saying
“Sometimes within our families we wonder “Whats the point?’. When we look at the challenges between spouses, parents and their children, between siblings, what’s the point?. The point is that when we fill our jars with the ordinary water of everyday life and bring them to Jesus, He breathes the Spirit of life into that water and it becomes the rich wine of the Kingdom”
After the service many families stayed in the St Thomas Centre to enjoy fun and games, watch the Angelus live from Rome or enjoy tattoos and face paints. Photos from the day can be viewed here