Year of the Family

 “The experience of love in families is a perennial source of strength for the life of the Church.” (AL, 88) 

In an effort to mark the fifth anniversary of his Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis has declared this year a special dedication to families and to reflecting on the teachings of his exhortation. The Year of the Family runs in conjunction with the Year of St. Joseph, which focuses on Joseph of Nazareth as the devoted spouse and father.  

While things still look different, and this past year has been one of great loss, Pope Francis is calling us to dream forward and support families with love and mercy in all circumstances. In the words of Pope Francis, “the pandemic experience has highlighted the central role of the family as the domestic church and the importance of community ties between families. Such ties make the Church an authentic ‘family of families.’” Let us celebrate this special year by building stronger families and stronger faith communities. Join us in celebrating the joy of love in the family!  

Year of St. Joseph

Fall in love with the family, like St. Joseph.

Last December, Pope Francis also proclaimed a special Year of Saint Joseph, to mark the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. In his apostolic letter, Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father, a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, and a father in the shadows. As the role of the father is lived within the family, we will be celebrating the Year of St. Joseph in conjunction with the Year of the Family.

To learn more about the Year of St. Joseph, check out this presentation by Bishop Joseph Tyson, Diocese of Yakima.

Download Presentation