Pastoral Letter

“The Feast of the Holy Family

— The DAY OF THE FAMILY”

December 29, 1985

To our beloved Vicars Forane, Parish Priests

and Parochial Vicars:

   Greetings!

   On Sunday, 29th December 1985, we will once again honor the families in the Archdiocese by celebrating the DAY OF THE FAMILY which coincides so aptly with the Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

   On this day of the family we will dedicate all our Masses for the preservation and strengthening of this basic unit of society more appropriately considered by us as the domestic Church.

   As we are faced with severe crises of all sorts, we, the Church, must help proclaim the Christian family as “good news” that gives new hope. Although in our archdiocese our theme for the Aguinaldo Masses is “Christ our Hope,” the tradition set by the “Pasko ng Pamilya” will be an appropriate context for the theme.

   On this very important day which comes on the Sunday after Christmas, we have prepared and enclosed some guidelines for the special homily which you will no doubt find helpful.

   Together with the suggested homily is a Special Blessing for families which we request you to give at the end of each Mass to all families present. For this purpose, it will be a good idea during your Misa de Gallo to enjoin your parishioners to come to Mass as a family on the 29th and henceforth in honor of the Child Jesus.

   We are writing the family life oriented groups in your parish separately, asking them to assist you and your parishioners by sponsoring family activities for the day. A list of suggested activities is enclosed.

   May the Holy Family be the constant model of your parishoners and may they be your support and cooperators toward the spiritual growth of your flock and your person.

   With our paternal blessings for happier families in your minstry, I remain

Devotedly in Christ,

(Sgd.) + JAIME L. CARDINAL SIN, D.D.

Archbishop of Manila