The Archbishop of Southwark issued a pastoral letter to be read at all Sunday masses on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December 2024.
In a pastoral letter to the Archdiocese, Archbishop John Wilson said the “Church is a family of families” and there are “no orphans in Christ”.
In the letter, issued for the Feast of the Holy Family, Archbishop John said “the Church is a family of families. There are no orphans in Christ. We all have a home in the Church”. He called on the faithful to learn from the blessed household by living in simplicity, love and in faithfulness to the Father’s will.
The Holy Family, the Archbishop said, “reminds us that evangelisation and mission begin in the heart and in the home”. Speaking directly to families, Archbishop said:
“To parents I say ‘thank you’ for teaching your children to love the Lord Jesus, to pray, and to understand their faith; and, not least, to know the friendship of the saints. To our young people, I say ‘do not be afraid to embrace your faith with courage.’ The Lord Jesus is calling you to great things. Know, love and serve him, and he will guide your steps.”
The Archbishop of Southwark published a pastoral letter to be read at all Sunday masses on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December 2024. As we approach the Year of Jubilee, Archbishop John said “looking to the Holy Family, we too are called to be pilgrims of hope, just like Mary and Joseph. As they journeyed with faith and trust, so must we”.
Read the pastoral letter in full below.