Milagros Ramos

During the World Meeting of Families, taking place Sept. 22-27,  families get together to share their thoughts on various themes on family life. They dialogue on the role of the Christian family in Church and in society. The talks and workshops are led by distinguished speakers from around the world. There is a group from the Diocese of Buffalo that is preparing themselves for the meeting. For many it will be the first time attending this international gathering.

The theme for this year's meeting is, "Love is our Mission, the Family Fully Alive." I have been blessed to be one of those attending. In preparation, we are to dialogue on the catechesis for this week. You can find this on the World Meeting of Families website (www.worldmeeting2015.org/about-the-event/catechesis/).

There are 10 different themes in the catechesis. During our Hispanic Family Day at Fatima Shrine in Lewiston, Ferney Ramirez spoke on the fifth chapter of the catechesis, "Creating the Future." He showed a video from a judges' reunion with a past schoolmate who was brought up in front of her. When the man looked at the judge he just cried. She told him, "I'm sorry to see you there. I always wondered what happened to you. This was the nicest kid in middle school. I used to play football with him. Look what has happened." Rameriz continued his workshop by asking us what happened in the life of the judge and the life of this man that made them take too completely different paths.       

The first introductory paragraph of that catechesis says, "Children reared with love and guidance are the foundation for a loving future. Wounded children portend a wounded future." Ramirez had the participants talk about ways of bringing up Christian children so that they don't end up on the wrong side of the law. Very good examples where given on good parenting skills. He also shared some very bad parenting skills. For example, by not showing enough love to our children they may end up looking for love elsewhere, and possibly in all the wrong places.

I don't consider myself the perfect parent and my children will probably tell you about many of my imperfections, but, I have five children and when they would bring their friends over for visits some of them did not want to leave. They knew that there is something different about our family and they wanted to be a part of it. A couple of their friends even moved in temporarily because their parents threw them out. We are not perfect but we try to teach by our example and by our action. We do our best to bring them up in the faith so that they can pass it to others they come in contact with.  

Hispanic Heritage Mass:  The Mass will take place at Holy Cross Church in Buffalo at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. The theme for the celebration is, "Celebrating the Christian Roots of our Hispanic Families." Bishop Richard J. Malone will celebrate the Mass with us. All are welcome.   

Mark your Calendars: October 13-15. Revival at SS. Columba & Brigid Church in Buffalo from 6:30 p.m. to 9 a.m.  Revivalist: Father Chester and Father Charles Smith from Indianapolis.