An important part of the programme for Holy Father Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families, was the meeting he himself requested in order to listen to engaged and married couples. During the question and answer encounter at Dublin’s Saint Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, the Pontiff told those present that “our world needs a revolution of love”. “Let that revolution begin with you and your families”, he said.
As reported by heraldmalaysia.com, His Holiness Pope Francis stressed the importance of this love, saying that we must return to and take care of our family roots. “No family can grow if it forgets its roots”, he said. These roots transmit the generational experiences that teach us life and love. “Children will not grow in love if they do not learn how to converse with their grandparents”, His Holiness Pope Francis said.
The Pontiff went on to thank an elderly couple who were there at Saint Mary’s to present their testimony after recently celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary. Pope Francis said the witness of their struggles and the stories of their experiences are valuable to all young couples, and to anyone engaged in the long journey that is marriage. The Pontiff described them as “keepers of our collective memory” and said their faith-filled witness “is a precious resource for young couples, who look to the future with excitement and hope and, perhaps, a touch of trepidation!” Finally, His Holiness Pope Francis described love as “God’s dream for us and for the whole human family”, one that He asks us to make our own. “Please, never forget this”, said the Pope, “and never stop dreaming!
