What is Family?
by CAPP-USA
The family is “the fundamental cell of society“. (Pope Francis, 66)
But it Goes Deeper Than That!
The family is rooted in the nature of God.
The definition of family is rooted in the nature of God!
It is “a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2205)
“[M]arriage and the family are rooted in the inmost nucleus of the truth about man and his destiny.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
Family is the image of God who “in his deepest mystery is not all by himself, but a family”. (Pope St. John Paul II)
“[T]he Family begins…in the image of God who is love and calls man and woman to love according to his likeness”. (Synod Report to Pope Francis, 35)
What Makes a Family?
“The family is based upon a marriage” (Pope St. John XXIII, 193) “in which the mutual gift of self by husband and wife creates an environment in which children can be born and develop their potentialities, become aware of their dignity and prepare to face their unique and individual destiny.” (Pope St. John Paul, 39)
This traditional family “is the natural society in which husband and wife are called to give themselves in love and in the gift of life.” (CCC, 2207)
It is “the place in which life — the gift of God — can be properly welcomed and protected against the many attacks to which it is exposed”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)
What is the Purpose of the Family?
“The family is a kind of school of deeper humanity.” (Gaudium et Spes, 52)
Its “fundamental task is to serve life”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 28)
The family “has the mission to guard, reveal and communicate love, and this is a living reflection of and a real sharing in God’s love for humanity”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 17)
Families are “called to welcome, radiate and show the world the love and presence of Christ.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
Why is Family the Answer to Today’s Crisis?
“The family…is uniquely suited to teach and transmit cultural, ethical, social, spiritual and religious values, essential for the development and well-being of its own members and of society.” (Preamble, E., Charter of the Rights of the Family)
