The family as a domestic church. : the vocation and mission of the family in the church today

Abstract

This work intends to reflect upon the main challenges facing the family today. As a community of life and love, the family needs to interpret the 'signs of the times' and regenerate itself for a true discovery of its role and function within society and the church. In the light of the Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio, this dissertation also aims to identify the specific contribution which the Christian family is called to offer, for the well-being of humanity. This, the family is able to perform in virtue of its status as an ecclesia domestica. The mission peculiar to the family arises from a specific vocation given by God, unveiled in his salvific plan of love and life. The family, being a domestic church is called to be in the world, a sacrament of God's communion with humanity. Enlightened and guided by the ever present and creative message of salvation and truth as found in the gospel and by virtue of its specific mission, the Christian family becomes a beacon of hope in today's world. "The future of humanity passes by the way of the family." (Familiaris Consortio)