On Sunday 26 March, the World Meeting of Families 2018 (WMOF2018) diocesan launch took place in the diocese of Waterford and Lismore as part of the 12 noon Mass in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford. Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore celebrated the Mass which was attended by parish representatives and the WMOF2018 diocesan committee.
More events will take place as the diocese looks forward the World Meeting of Families in August 2018.
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- Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford & Lismore and Abigale Betts from Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. Photo: John Power
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- Waterford & Lismore launch of WMOF2018 Photo: John Power
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- Waterford & Lismore launch of WMOF2018 Photo: John Power
Dublin, Ireland, has been chosen by Pope Francis to host the next World Meeting of Families next year. Started by Saint John Paul II, and held every three years, this major world event celebrates family as the cornerstone of our lives, and the fundamental building block of society and the Church.
Families and others from all over the world will gather in Dublin from 21-26 August 2018 to celebrate their lives together, to share their experiences from different parts of the world, to reflect on the different challenges they face and to grow together in faith.
The theme chosen by Pope Francis for WMOF2018 is The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World. The WMOF2018 logo, launched in December 2016, reflects on this theme and the journey towards August 2018.
The event will consist of a joyful and reflective programme of workshops, talks and discussions for adults; an engaging and exciting programme for young people as well as faith and fun activities for children. WMOF2018 will include the daily celebration of Mass, a festival of families event, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances, events around the city, gestures of solidarity with those in need, and much more. Visit the programme section of the WMOF2018 website for more information.
World Meeting of Families is promoted by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life. In September 2016, this new Dicastery brought together the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical Academy for Life. The Prefect of the new Dicastery is Dublin-born Cardinal-elect Kevin Joseph Farrell, previously Bishop of Dallas, Texas in the US.
For more on WMOF2018 see www.worldmeeting2018.ie.
ENDS
