In the heart of contemporary society, where family dynamics evolve and transform, working with families emerges as an imperative need. From promoting emotional well-being to building inclusive communities, working with families is becoming increasingly relevant in the modern world. This article briefly outlines a proposal for accompanying today’s family from our spirituality, highlighting key principles and practices that can strengthen and nurture families on their spiritual journey.
The family, as a community of love and life, reflects God’s communion and loving relationship with humanity. From its origins, humanity was created with the capacity and responsibility to love and live in communion. The love lived within the Holy Family is so vital that St. John Paul II described it as an «efficacious sign of God’s love,» making it a sanctuary where life and love are intertwined. It is in the family that the first experience of love and relationship is forged, a fundamental learning place where meaningful relationships are developed and the ability to make free and wise choices is cultivated. It has therefore been given the title of «first school of humanity», essential for the development of society.
Here are some aspects where the proposal of accompaniment to families could be centered.
- Strengthening the relationship with God: Family accompaniment from the Franciscan Amigonian spirituality begins with the strengthening of the relationship with God in the bosom of the home. Like the Holy Family, families today can cultivate a life of prayer, worship and obedience to God’s will, establish times of family prayer, participate together in the sacramental life of the Church and seek to discern God’s will in family decisions.
- Healthy Family Relationships: The Holy Family teaches us the importance of fostering healthy family relationships based on love, respect and communion. Family accompaniment focuses on helping family members cultivate unity and mutual support, as well as addressing conflicts and challenges constructively, facilitating open and honest communication, promoting forgiveness and reconciliation, providing tools to resolve conflicts peacefully, fostering empathy, and promoting open and respectful dialogue between parents, children and other family members. As Pope Francis would say, «It is in the united family that children reach the maturity of their existence, living the meaningful and effective experience of gratuitous love, tenderness, reciprocal respect, mutual understanding, forgiveness and joy.»
- Supporting the stages of family life: Family accompaniment from the spirituality of the Holy Family recognizes that families go through various stages and transitions throughout life. This may include forming new families, raising children, caring for the elderly, and adapting to changes in family structure. Provide support and guidance at each of these stages, helping families discern how to live their faith authentically and meaningfully amidst the challenges and joys of family life.
- Promoting Solidarity and Service: The Holy Family challenges us to live Christian values through service and solidarity with others. Family accompaniment includes opportunities for families to engage together in works of charity and service to those in need, both within the community and beyond. This not only strengthens the social and community fabric, but also enriches the spiritual life of the family by putting into practice the commandment to love one’s neighbor.
In conclusion, family accompaniment from the spirituality of the Holy Family offers an integral and enriching approach to strengthen and nurture families in faith and in daily life, following the example of Venerable Luis Amigo from closeness, minority and simplicity.
Sr. Rosa Alix Fajardo Gómez, tc
Mother of the Good Shepherd Province