Bhubaneshwar (AsiaNews) - Priests, religious, nuns and lay Catholics must work together to build exemplary families in society and the world, says Archbishop John Barwa SVD of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Odisha (Orissa), ahead of the Synod of the family set for 5-19 October.
"We all have a responsibility to put a good foundation to the ministry to families, which should spread into every corner of society," Mgr Barwa said.
To do this, Mgr Barwa has decided to enlist the help of Couples for Christ (CFC), a Catholic lay movement under pontifical law, whose aim is to renew and strengthen family life and values.
"I was impressed by its commitment to family life renewal, and felt the need to start the same in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Archdiocese," the bishop said. Thus, "I am happy to inform you," he added, "that it has already started in St Vincent's Parish, Bhubaneswar, and a few other parishes".
The bishop met a few CFC members during a visit to Canada in 2012. Francis Almeida, a member of CFC Canada, and his wife Liz, have come over to run the CFC programme.
"I firmly believe that this movement will help promoting Christian values in families," Barwa said. It "will help families to commit themselves to live according to God's righteousness and holiness, evangelising people through a life of love and service, social justice, respect for life, and work with the poor".
