An estimated 20,000 couples from 28 different countries are expected to attend a special audience on St. Valentine’s Day with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square.
In a statement released by the Pontifical Council for the Family, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the dicastery said the large number of couples attending were unforeseeable only three weeks ago.
The numbers, he said, ”shows that there are youth who are against the current that want their love to last forever and be blessed by God, even if the world in which they live in does not believe that the bonds will last forever and that it is better that each one thinks of themselves.”
The event will begin with several couples giving their experiences, as well as music and poetry on love. The Holy Father will then engage in a dialogue with three couples, answering their questions.
The difficulty of fulfilling a definitive choice, the quality of the Christian family, and the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage will be among the topics discussed by the Holy Father.
Archbishop Paglia stated that many times, the choice of getting married is postponed in order to resolve any and all problems. “In reality, [couples] are married so that they can build a future together, to resolve problems together, to build a house for themselves and their children together.”
Of course, public leaders should be more attentive in supporting the choice of two young people to be married with a detailed family and work policy, because a family built during youth is an unmatched richness for society itself.”
The audience will conclude with a moment of prayer and the Holy Father’s blessing. The couples will also receive a special gift for their future nuptials. (J.A.E.)
