May 14, 2009 / 01:55 am
This morning in the town where Jesus was raised by Mary and Joseph, Pope Benedict XVI called upon Christians to learn from the virtues of the Holy Family and to heal divisions caused by tensions between Christians and Muslims.
The Holy Father was welcomed to Nazareth by Archbishop Elias Chacour, who told the Pope that the local church is “so encouraged” by his presence, and that they hope the late John Paul II will be canonized soon.
Pope Benedict noted that the local Church is celebrating the Year of the Family and prayed that the soon-to-be-built International Center for the Family will “promote strong family life in this region, offer support and assistance to families everywhere, and encourage them in their irreplaceable mission to society.”
Men and women of our time, the Pope said in his homily, need to follow the example of Joseph and Mary who, remained faithful for their whole lives, were “consecrated by the covenant of marriage” and were “accepting of God's gift of new life.”
“How much the men and women of our time need to reappropriate this fundamental truth, which stands at the foundation of society, and how important is the witness of married couples for the formation of sound consciences and the building of a civilization of love!” the Pope said.