Bernardo Cervellera

Even in "Christian" world, the family is penalized by taxes, work hours, denial of maternity leave and disregard for tradition. Research shows that the psychological stability of the children is also linked to the faithful union between a man and a woman. The exaltation of individual independence leads to consumerism and suicide of society.

In an unscripted intervention Benedict XVI answers questions from some families in difficulty: on fidelity, on the economic crisis, divorce, work and celebration. The pope recalls his childhood: "Heaven will be like coming home and will have the same joy of my childhood." Politicians should be more responsible and not make promises they can not keep. To the divorced: the Church loves you, no one wants to forget about you.

Benedict XVI celebrates mass at the end of the VII World Meeting of Families. Man and woman, made 'in the image of God "are fruitful in generating children, but also in transforming the world through work, profit does not dominate, and celebration that is meeting, sharing, relationships with nature and celebration with God . Next World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia (USA).

Benedict XVI, on a pastoral visit to Milan, meets priests, deacons and consecrated in the Cathedral, within the context of the VII World Meeting of Families. Among the saints "who have devoted their energies to the service of the Gospel" he mentions two PIME missionaries. Personal love of Jesus Christ, also cultivated with liturgical prayer, is the source of the "zeal" and the unity of life of the priest.

The president of Pontifical Council for the Family draws conclusions from the Congress for the VII World Meeting: “the normal family "(husband, wife and children) is the foundation for the rebirth of society, in the midst of a profound economic, but also cultural, crisis. Mayor of Milan promises a "register of civil unions" in favour of homosexual unions. The request to politicians: less taxes, more support to couple and procreation, more services for education. And the business world: flexible hours, part time, the possibility to work from home, maternity leave, parental leave, child care services. Sunday, as a day of rest, has a positive effect on the workplace and society.

Benedict XVI starts a pastoral visit to the city that is hosting the Meeting of Families. For the pope, the city's character includes positive secularism and a strong Catholic background combined with efficiency and generosity. In his address, he urged people to care for the poor and quake victims, in line with the city's saints: Ambrose, Charles Borromeo, Pius XI, Paul VI, and Gianna Beretta Molla. He entrusted the city into the care of the 'Madonnina'. Tonight, the pontiff will attend a concert at La Scala.

For the theological pastoral congress currently underway at the World Meeting of Families, the family and the workplace must urgently strike an alliance. In opposition to individualism, the experience and social doctrine of the Church emphasise the relational nature of man. Freely giving and meaning give work its value. Card Tettamanzi criticises the excessive remunerations in banking, industry and sports. For Chilean scholar Morandé Court, the family is an important opportunity to give work quality, which today is no longer based on production or capital, but on "creating human capital". Participants express their solidarity to quake victims in Emilia-Romagna.

The theological pastoral congress concludes its first day as the 7th World Meeting of Families got underway in Milan. The family is a social asset that favours personal growth, solidarity and the dignity of women. In presenting their papers, speakers criticise the power of individualism and markets, which stifle free giving and human dignity. Advertising targeting children is also slammed. Changing policies that relegate family values to the private sphere is an urgent priority.

The normal family, united in matrimony with two or more children, "is happier," says Card Antonelli. It shapes in a positive way society and the workplace. Cultural, political and economic forces must support it. For Card Scola, the meeting is an exceptional event that can support ordinary life. "Radiant" stories are a contrast to an inward looking world.

Catholics from China are "advised" to stay home on the pope's World Day of Prayer. Only Shanghai Catholics can celebrate Mass 24 May. "Security" and changes in the country's leadership are given as the reason. Meanwhile, the China Daily advertises tours to Sheshan to visit the observatory, taste the local cuisine, see protected animal species and stop at local golf courses. Reciting 'Salve Regina' is banned however.

According to Wang Yang, Party secretary of Guangdong, a liberal, each individual must seek his or her happiness, the State and the Party must serve the person. Break with traditional rhetoric which from Mao to now gave all thanks to the Party. Religious conversions among high ranking officials.

Today’s Episcopal ordination in Changsha shows that Maoism and control over religion is stronger than ever, even though Bo Xilai was dismissed. Beijing’s Caesar-popery wants to decide candidates for the episcopate, the ordaining bishops, ceremonies, giving the official stamp to whomever it wants. Bishops reduced to low-ranking officials. The resistance of the Catholics and the possibility of riots.