Philadelphia, Pa., Sep 8, 2014 / 15:14 pm
The official prayer and image for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia next year have been released to aid pilgrims in spiritual preparation for the upcoming event.
"The prayer and iconic image will inspire everyone as we continue to prepare for the 2015 World Meeting of Families," said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia as he unveiled the prayer and image at a Sept. 7 Mass.
"With their focus on enriching and reenergizing the spiritual life of families - both Catholic and non-Catholic alike, I'm hopeful that this prayer and image can help all of us to examine our minds and hearts and deepen our relationships with God and our families in meaningful ways."
The prayer is available in 18 languages, including American Sign Language, and is intended to encourage family unity and intercession for the meeting, which has as its theme, "Love is our mission: the family fully alive."
It begins by recognizing all people as children of God and asks for his love to help families worldwide and then for the intercession of the Holy Family in guiding families to seek truth and to live in God's love.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia said that the prayer "is meant to serve as a vehicle of hope and faith for families. Encouraging daily recitation for the success of the event and for personal intentions, the prayer is foundational to both the conference's theme and its planned content."
The iconic image, commissioned by the archdiocese and painted by local artist Neilson Carlin, features the Holy Family standing with the Christ Child and Mary's parents, Sts. Joachim and Ann. The original oil painting measuring four-by-five feet will be on display in the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul through the end of next year's World Meeting of Families.
"I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to use my talents to serve the Church, my fellow Catholics and this global event, which hopefully will welcome Pope Francis," Carlin said.
"Inspired by the theme of 'Love is our mission,' it is my sincerest hope that this image will be a source of prayer and contemplation that draws people of all faiths in and ultimately makes them feel closer and more connected to their own families."
The archdiocese explained in a statement that the painting "is a religious work of art meant to encourage both reflection and prayer. Those coming to the view the iconic image at the Cathedral are encouraged to pray for families around the world by reciting the official prayer and lighting a votive candle at the Marian Shrine."
Scheduled Sept. 22-27, 2015, the eighth World Meeting of Families is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants from around the world. The event was established by St. John Paul II in 1994 in Rome with the Year of the Family aimed at strengthening family bonds around the world.
Since then, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been in charge of organizing the meeting which takes place every three years in different cities, which in the past have included Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City and Milan.
Both the prayer and image for the upcoming Philadelphia event will be shared with the Pontifical Council of the Family when Archbishop Chaput visits Rome later this month.
The entire text of the prayer in English is below.
The World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 Official Prayer
God and Father of us all,
in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,
you have made us
your sons and daughters
in the family of the Church.
May your grace and love
help our families
in every part of the world
be united to one another
in fidelity to the Gospel.
May the example of the Holy Family,
with the aid of your Holy Spirit,
guide all families, especially those most troubled,
to be homes of communion and prayer
and to always seek your truth and live in your love.
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!