EMMOCT2019: On Saturday September 14th the 12th National Family Pilgrimage for the Family took place as a preparation for the Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019

On Saturday, September 14th the 12th National Family Pilgrimage for the Family took place at the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, sponsored by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life.

The event was promoted by Rinnovamento nello Spirito Santo (Renewal in the Holy Spirit, an off-shoot of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services) in collaboration with the Pontifical Prelature of Pompeii, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Mission Societies, CEI’s National Office for the Pastoral Care of the Family, and the Italian Forum of Family Associations. 

The Pilgrimage took place as a preparation for the Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019 (www.october2019.va), which Pope Francis announced to be on the theme "Baptized and Sent: the Church of Christ on Mission in the World.” Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, will preside over the concluding Eucharistic celebration. Cardinal Filoni recalled in his homily that in an age when sometimes "there's no forgiveness" or "understanding," or “hatred is often instigated,” or “people remain closed off,” it is necessary to remember that “love can heal those who are ill’’: “the Holy Spirit is a good doctor and the grace of God is good medicine.” The Cardinal Prefect, accompanied by the President of Renewal in the Holy Spirit, Salvatore Martinez, reminded the faithful that: "The sacrament of confession, or an embrace for others, offering forgiveness, asking forgiveness for our wrongdoings, confiding in a good friend, a priest, or a trusted religious, going to prayer meetings, performing a work of charity, or a gesture for the poor among us" are all effective medicines.” The final assurance of Cardinal Filoni was, “for the good that we do,” God will remember us.