The last day of the International Theological-Pastoral Congress:
Celebration, a moment that is really the measure of man
Introduced by His Excellency Erminio de Scalzi, Auxiliary Bishop of Milan and President of Milan Family 2012 Foundation, the final day of the International Theological-Pastoral Congress was opened by a profound presentation of Blanca Castilla, Spanish scholar and academic.
After drawing an in-depth analysis of the foundations of the family, according to Christian anthropology, Castilla has focused on the essential ingredients of a real celebration, such as joy, gratitude, anticipation, ritual.
Click here for more on "Blanca Castilla, Celebrating as Believers: Educating Desire"
Cardinal Sean O 'Malley, then bore witness with a very "fresh" report and full of personal insights, entitled "Sanctifying Celebration: The Family in the Lord's Day". The intervention was inspired by the profound connection between Community, Eucharist and Mission. "The Church exists to proclaim the Good News. Being a follower is never a "solo flight" but rather an adventure to live together. And at the heart of this adventure - said the Cardinal - the Eucharistic banquet is where Calvary and the Last Supper become part of our lives and our history." Christian community cannot exist without the celebration of the Eucharist, said the Archbishop of Boston. It is for families to educate the younger generations to have a "taste" for living the authentic Christian feast, celebrating, together with the community, the sacrifice of Christ.
In closing, Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, summarized the three days of intense work and the multiplicity of ideas that emerged, expressing the conviction that "the rediscovery of man as a subject who is essentially in relationship and the care for good quality of relationships will lead to overcoming the crisis of work and family."