Solemnity of the Christian Family ‘C’

During the month of October, the Polish National Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of  the Christian Family. At a time when strong examples of Christian families: praying together and  living out the teachings of Jesus, can be harder to find in society, this observance invites us to  strengthen our commitment to both our personal families and our parish family. 

The book of Genesis reminds us that God is the Creator not only of all things, but also of the  family. While we often think of a family as a husband, wife, and children, we know that family life  takes many different forms. Some families may not have a mother or a father present; some  may have a husband and wife without children. Even in Jesus’ life, we see this variety: Mary  was His mother, and Joseph was His guardian. No matter the shape it takes, the family is where  we first learn and develop the values that guide us throughout life. The importance of the family  should never be underestimated, because it is within the family that we build the foundation of  our moral character. 

The Solemnity of the Christian Family was established by the Third General Synod of our  Church in 1914, setting aside the second Sunday of October for this purpose. This special  observance helps us reflect on the example set by the Holy Family and consider how we can  bring those values into our own homes. Scripture teaches us about the responsibilities within  families: 

• Children are called to honor and love their parents, as we hear in the Fourth  Commandment, "Honor your father and mother.” 

• Parents, in turn, are called to love and respect their children. Parents are responsible not  only for their children’s physical and material wellbeing but also for their spiritual growth.  They are to raise their children in the Christian faith, setting an example in word and  deed, teaching them to love, follow, and trust in the Lord. 

This Feast is a reminder of the need for mutual love and respect in every Christian family. 

Just as each family belongs to the wider society, each Christian family belongs to a parish  family, and together we form the Church, which is the larger family of God. What connects us all  is our shared faith in Christ and our worship of Him. We become part of this great family through  Baptism, by which we are united with Christ and with each other as brothers and sisters. 

The role of the Church is essential for Christian families. Here, we encounter Christ together,  especially in the celebration of the Holy Mass, in receiving Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, in  listening to the Word of God, and in sharing the other sacraments as a parish community. 

Let us remember the Christian family in your daily prayers. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide  and strengthen our families, so that our Church may grow and bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.