At the Holy Mass for Families on the Feast of the Holy Family (27 December 2015) Pope Francis spoke of the importance of families and described family life as ‘a series of pilgrimages, both big and small‘. The Holy Father observed that in the Year of Mercy, Christian families could become a privileged place for experiencing the joy of forgiveness. He acknowledged that it is within the family that we learn how to forgive, ‘because we are certain that we are understood and supported, whatever the mistakes we make‘. He also spoke of the importance of moments of prayer in families. ‘What can be more beautiful than for a father and mother to bless their children at the beginning and end of each day, to trace on their forehead the sign of the cross, as they did on the day of their baptism? ‘ These little gestures, ‘point to the great formative role played by the family in the pilgrimage of every day life.’ He ended his homily telling the faithful to not lose confidence in the family, ‘To all of you, dear families, I entrust this most important mission - the domestic pilgrimage of daily family life - which the world and the Church need, now more than ever.‘

Read Pope Francis’ homily in full

‘Light for the Path’ a NEW resource for families in the Year of Mercy