Through the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, the Holy Father Francis sent a message to the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM), meeting in its 103rd Plenary Assembly, in which he exhorts to work tirelessly to foster the values of the family and the building of a more supportive, fraternal and just society.
The message, sent to the Apostolic Nunciature, was read on Monday afternoon by the Archbishop Emeritus of Morelia, Alberto Suarez Inda, in the Mass prior to the event, celebrated in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and in the framework of the centenary of the National Union of Parents (UNPF).
“Cardinal Jose Francisco Robles Ortega, Archbishop of Guadalajara, President of the Mexican Episcopal Conference, His Holiness Pope Francis greets warmly the Mexican Bishops gathered to begin the 103rd Plenary Assembly, as well as the members of the National Union of Parents, on the occasion of the centenary of this institution’s foundation,” reads the message.
And he exhorts those in the assembly «to seek, in the example of the Family of Nazareth, the inspiration and stimulus necessary to continue working together and tirelessly in favor of the fostering of values of the family and the building of a more supportive, fraternal and just society, where God’s love shines,” says the Pope in the message.
“With these sentiments, while entrusting you to the protection of the Most Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, the Holy Father imparts his heartfelt implored Apostolic Blessing, which he is pleased to extend to all those who join this celebration,” ends the message signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, His Holiness’ Secretary of State.
The celebration was presided over by Cardinal Jose Francisco Robles Ortega, Archbishop of Guadalajara and President of CEM. Concelebrating with him were the Bishops of the Mexican Episcopal Conference.
The 103rd Plenary Assembly of the Mexican Episcopal Conference began today and will end on April 28. Some 134 Bishops are attending it, from the country’s 95 ecclesiastical circumscriptions, grouped in 18 provinces. Also attending is the Apostolic Nuncio, the President of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors of Mexico (CIRM), and the Executive Secretaries of the Episcopal Commission and members of the team of Vicars of Pastoral Care.
