Pope Francis offered some common sense but profound advice for families during his Angelus Address on December 27, 2020, the Feast of the Holy Family.

In light of the pandemic restrictions, the Holy Father spoke from the Library of the Apostolic Palace, focusing on families both before and after praying the noonday Angelus with the faithful connect via social media around the world.

“In imitation of the Holy Family, we are called to rediscover the educational value of the family unit: it must be founded on the love that always regenerates relationships, opening up horizons of hope,” the Pope said. “Within the family, one can experience sincere communion when it is a house of prayer, when the affections are serious, profound, pure, when forgiveness prevails over discord, when the daily harshness of life is softened by mutual tenderness and serene adherence to God’s will. In this way, the family opens itself to the joy that God gives to all those who know how to give joyfully.”

The Holy Father suggested three short phrases to help avoid “cold war” in the family:

  • Please
  • Thank You
  • I am Sorry

“If in a family, in the family environment there are these three words, the family is fine,” Francis said.

After the Angelus, he offered particular thoughts about families, noting the challenges faced during the pandemic and a difficult year.

“My thoughts turn in particular to the families who, during these months, have lost a loved one or have been affected by the consequences of the pandemic.,” Pope Francis continued. “I think also of the doctors, nurses, and all healthcare professionals whose great example on the front line in fighting the spread of the virus has had significant repercussions on family life.

“And today I entrust all families to the Lord, especially those most tried by life’s difficulties and by the scourges of misunderstanding and division. May the Lord, born in Bethlehem, grant them all the serenity and strength to walk together in the way of goodness.”

Read Pope’s Full Commentary Here.

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