International meeting of the New Families Movement
Couples and families from across the world gathered in the Focolare little town in Kenya, “Mariapoli Piero”, for an international meeting of the New Families Movement under the title “Diventiamo tutti pescatori di famiglie” (“Let us all become fishers of families”). The event was organised by the International Secretariat of the New Families Movement, part of the Focolare Movement, and focused on renewing the Movement’s mission to accompany and support families in the light of the Gospel.
A highlight of the meeting was the address given by Prof. Gabriella Gambino, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Drawing on Pope Leone XIV’s message to “cast the net of God’s love,” she invited families to take up an active role in evangelisation:
“The families themselves are called to become ‘fishers of families’, extending the network of God’s love, healing and mercy to others.”
She reminded participants that “the family is not only the future of the Church, it is its present” and that families are not simply recipients of pastoral care but agents of evangelisation. Everyday acts of love, forgiveness and service, she said, reveal God’s presence within the domestic church:
“From the faith of grandparents and parents we rediscover a living heritage; from the fidelity of spouses we learn resilience; from the innocence of children we receive hope.”
Among those present were representatives from Western Europe, whose participation was made possible thanks to the solidarity and sharing of funds by all the New Families of the region. Hilda Killian of New Families in Ireland said, “Though no one from Ireland could attend the meeting in Africa, the New Families Team here kept up to date with the preparations and content of the meeting. We were deeply encouraged by Prof. Gambino’s words, which highlight so beautifully the missionary vocation of families today. Her reminder that every family, even with its limits and struggles, can become a “fisher of families” touched us deeply. It strengthens our desire to live and share the Gospel through the small, daily gestures of love, forgiveness and unity that give witness to God’s presence in family life.
In Ireland, New Families are active locally in supporting family life and in educating children to live the Gospel spirituality of Focolare. They also animate the monthly community gatherings at the Focolare Centre in Curryhills, Prosperous, sharing the joy of unity that inspires their mission to become “fishers of families.”