Romana

The Prelate of Opus Dei has convoked a Marian year of prayer for the family. It began on December 28, 2014, the date of the liturgical feast of the Holy Family. It will end on the same feast day in 2015, which will take place on December 27.

Bishop Echevarría said that the aim of this year is “to place in our Lady’s hands all the needs of the Church and mankind, and to follow faithfully the Pope’s intentions.” The invitation is extended to all who receive Christian formation through the activities organized by the Prelature.

Among other suggestions, the Prelate invited us to pray as a family the various prayers dedicated to the Mother of God, such as the Rosary and the Angelus. “Through our Lady,” he assured us, “our Lord will pour forth abundant graces for the Church and for society.”

The Marian year began in Rome with an act of Eucharistic adoration in St. Eugene’s Basilica. “Following the Pope’s indications,” the Prelate said, “we are praying for all the families of the world... We need to pray each day for the world’s families, asking that every country may fully accept in its laws the natural law that comes from God. That those who govern may seek justice and not undo this great treasure God has given us. Then people will be happier, even though at times living in a family requires effort and sacrifice in daily life. With joy we want never to cede in seeking to protect this institution grounded in natural law, and we will pray constantly for the family.”

During the solemn exposition, the prayer for families composed by Pope Frances for the recent extraordinary Synod was recited.