From September 22-25, thousands of families from around the world will meet in Philadelphia, PA, the city of brotherly love. Started by Saint John Paul II in 1992 the World Meeting of Families takes place in a different country every three years and seeks to strengthen the sacred bonds of family life while giving families an opportunity to meet and celebrate together.

At the Meeting, families can celebrate Mass together and participate in a variety of activities including catechesis with distinguished speakers and discussion groups around critical questions affecting family life today.

This year the theme is Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive. You can learn more about the World Meeting of Families, the theme and the catechetical resources by visiting worldmeeting2015.org
Videos Produced by S+L
English:
ST. GIANNA BERETTA MOLLA: MOTHER OF A FAMILY AND PATRON OF WMF 2015
Shortly after her death in 1962, the touching story of Gianna Beretta Molla, married woman, mother of a family and medical doctor, spread quickly throughout the entire world. Through Gianna’s married love she became a sign of Christ’s love for the Church and for humanity. Her action at the end of her life, in saving young Gianna Emanuela, her daughter, was heroic in that she prepared for her final action every day of her life. Her final decision for life was the natural flowering and culmination of an extraordinary life of virtue and holiness, selflessness and quiet joy. On April 24, 1994, Pope John Paul II beatified Gianna Beretta Molla, mother of a family, in St. Peter's Square in Rome. Ten years later, on May 16, 2004, she was proclaimed a saint of the Church. Her husband and children were present at both ceremonies. In this moving video, find out why this contemporary, Italian woman is patron saint of mothers, physicians, unborn children and the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
THE MCAVOY FAMILY - CHOOSING LIFE ABOVE ALL ODDS
Despite having insurmountable odds stacked in front of them, the McAvoy family never wavered in their faith and chose life.
HOLY FAMILY PRAYER MEDAL - TO HOLD WHEN YOU NEED TO BE HELD
The story of a young boy dealing with the death of his grandfather while he is surrounded by his family and comforted by his parish priest and a very special sacramental. When our families go through difficult times we can experience the love and support of the Holy Family. Though we may never know exactly what it was like the night that Christ was born, one thing we know for sure is that he was held. There was touch. There was tenderness and safety as Joseph held him in the palm of his hand and Mary treasured all these things in her heart. TheProdigalFather.org
St. Augustine & St. Monica - Persevering Prayer
This is a story that could easily be transposed into a modern day family drama. Augustine, the son, leaves the family home to study and gets caught up in partying, women, and paganism. Monica, a determined mother who wants nothing but the best for her son, fights for his heart. As Br. Paul, an Augustinian, says “Nothing stepped in the way of Grace later on”. Augustine and Monica went on to become some of the best known saints. Filmed at the Augustinian Monastery in Marylake, ON, Br. Paul and Fr. Timothy offer us a reflection on the lives of these two saints and how a mother’s prayer can change everything.
The Garcia-Prats Family - Richer by the Dozen
Joe and Cathy Garcia-Prats have been married for more than 40 years are the proud parents of 10… that’s right, 10 sons! Joe is a practicing neonatologist and Cathy is a former first grade teacher and author of a number of books including Good Families Don’t Just Happen: What we learned from raising our ten sons and how it can work for you. Their inspiring story of love built on faith, respect and selflessness for each individual member of the family is a powerful witness to modern family life and openness to the Holy Spirit.
St. John Paul II - The Pope of the Family
At the canonization mass for Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, Pope Francis spoke of the latter with these words: “In his own service to the People of God, John Paul II was the pope of the family. We are now in the process of journeying with families towards the Synod on the family. It is a journey which, from his place in heaven, John Paul II guides and sustains.” Karol Wojtyla, marked at an early age by suffering and loss in his own family, would grow up to be a priest, Bishop of Krakow, the Bishop of Rome, a hero and saint for the ages. Throughout his pastoral ministry, he taught the world about the dignity, beauty and sacredness of marriage and family life. St. John Paul II is one of the two patron saints of the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
The Taylors - Finding Home
Erie, Pennsylvania - For the Taylor family, work is what initially brought them to Erie, but it was the love of a little boy that made their home a place where joy abounds. This isn’t the story of a traditional family but one of an ordinary family that opened itself up to God’s will. Timmy needed a new home and the Taylors were able to provide. In return the family experienced no greater joy than to be able to call him son and brother.
The Stackpoles: A Life of Service
The story of the life and death of New York City fireman Timothy Stackpole is a testament to what a true life of faith and service means. Timmy, a father of five children, perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Today his story, as shared by his widow Tara, continues to inspire hope, forgiveness and faith in all families, especially those directly affected by the tragedy.
Blessed Pope Paul VI: The Pilgrim Pope
Born Giovanni Battista Montini, Paul VI is affectionately known as the pilgrim pope. The Church that we know today is deeply shaped by the Second Vatican Council and is in many ways a reflection of Paul VI’s pontificate.
St. John XXIII: Pope of Innocence and Goodness
Pope John XXII will forver be remembered for calling the historic Second Vatican Council. But to his large family living in Soto El Monte in Nothern Italy, he was always Angelo, the simple, humble priest and a loving son.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Man of the Beatitudes
On May 20, 1990 in St. Peter's Square, St. John Paul II beatified Pier Giorgio Frassati, calling him the "Man of the Eight Beatitudes". Through his example, Bl. Pier Giorgio proclaims that a life lived in Christ's Spirit, the Spirit of the Beatitudes, is blessed and that only the person who becomes a "man or woman of the Beatitudes" can succeed in communicating love and peace to others.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha: Mohawk Mystic of North America
Known as the Lily of the Mohawks, Kateri Tekakwitha was a bold and courageous young Native American woman who defied cultural expectations by dedicating her life to Jesus Christ in the harsh world of 17th century North America.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla: Lover of Life
A true saint of our times, Gianna Molla was a mother and doctor who loved the arts, culture and fashion. When complications arose during her fourth pregnancy, she sacrificed her own life for the life of the child. Today she is celebrated as a model of radical sacrifice, virtue and joy.
The Benedicts: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives
The Benedicts from Michigan, USA, are ordinary people living extraordinary lives. Sam Benedict, the youngest in the family, was born at 33 weeks gestation with Hallermann–Streiff syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. His miraculous and joyful life is proof there is a purpose and reason for everybody. Through living with a tiny saint, the Benedicts have learned so much about life, sacrifice and generosity, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Fr. Michael McGivney: A Man of the People
Father Michael McGivney is one of America’s most extraordinary Catholic priests. As a parish priest in New Haven, he made a deep impact on his community and Fr. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, a mutual benefit society that today remains the world’s largest Catholic lay organization with 1.8 million members in 13 nations.
The Light Family: The Bigger Picture
Ashley and Gregory Light, from Cornwall, Ontario, are learning to deal with the realities of building a new family, one filled with hope for the future. Parents to three little girls, Ashley stays at home while Gregory works to provide for his family. In a world "built for double income families," their choice is not without challenges. Listen to their story to hear how they keep their eyes on the bigger picture.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha: Flower of Fortitude
St. Kateri Tekakwitha's search for holiness leads her to abandon everything she knows for a Love which leaves her transformed.
The Bolger Family: A Love Never Lost
The only thing nicer than young love is old love. Uncover the story of the Bolger Family of Toronto, Ontario, a family whose endless faith and eternal love has endured the challenges and struggles of Alzheimer's disease.
St. Marie of the Incarnation: Woman of Faith
What can a woman of faith accomplish? Just about anything. "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matt 17:20
The Emersons: Be Not Afraid!
'If the Lord is truly calling you to a life of priesthood, you can only put him off for so long.' This statement rang true for the Emerson Family from Madison, Wisconsin, whose third youngest son accepted his call to the priesthood shortly after graduating from College. Learn more about this courageous young man who, with the support of his family, fearlessly lived out St. John Paul II's words to Be Not Afraid!
The Rebellos
Meet the Rebello Family, a family of 14 that has made praying together a part of their daily routine. How does a family with 12 children between the ages of 18 and one manage this? More importantly, why? Watch this video to meet the Rebellos and find out.
Spanish:
Fernando Camou: Por el Amor de mis Padres
Descubre la historia de Fernando Camou, un jóven de Phoenix, Arizona que desde pequeño, oyó la voz de Dios llamándolo al sacerdocio. Por el amor de sus padres, encontró el amor de Dioz e inició la aventura más grande de su vida.
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