“The family is the first school of human values, where we learn the wise use of freedom.” – Pope Francis
On this special day, we turn our hearts and attention to the Family Apostolate—a gentle yet powerful reminder that
our families are the first and most vital mission fields entrusted to us by God.
The Day of Family Apostolate is not just a celebration; it is a call. A call to strengthen bonds, rekindle prayer at home, and become living witnesses of faith, hope, and love in our everyday family life. Whether we are parents, children, grandparents, or single members of a wider family, each of us is called to nurture an environment where Christ is at the center.
Here in Goa, the D’Souza family from Margao offers a beautiful example. For over two decades, their home has opened each day with the Rosary at dawn—a habit started by the late Mr. Xavier D’Souza and lovingly continued by his children and grandchildren. When Xavier passed away last year, his family decided to keep the tradition alive. “Even when we’re away, we still call in on video to pray together,” says his daughter Lianne. “It keeps us grounded and united, no matter where we are.”
Quoting Pope Francis: “The Church is invited to listen to families and involve them in pastoral care.” Fr. Albano Fernandes,
Director of the Diocesan Family Service Centre, echoes this call with honesty and hope: “Marriage should be joyful … perfect marriage doesn’t exist … marriage is an everyday business … As the family goes, so goes the nation.”
We have resources like the Diocesan Family Service Centre at St. John Paul 2 Complex in Margao and Maquinez Palace in Panjim which help our community with timely advice and counselling – let us pray for them to be blessed while they continue this noble service. St on this day of family apostolate (31 August) let us recommit ourselves to family prayer, shared meals, open conversations, and acts of love that reflect Christ’s presence among us. After all, a family that prays together, stays together. God Bless!
Louella Santimano Dias