Proclaiming the Family
On Saturday, 8 July 2006, the Holy Father landed at the International Airport of
Valencia-Manises for the Fifth World Meeting of Families. At the airport,
the Holy Father was welcomed by King Juan Carlos de Borbón
of Spain, Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, the Archbishop and three
Auxiliaries of Valencia and the nine Spanish Cardinals.. In response, the
Pope spoke of the family as a "unique institution in God's plan."
Letter to Spanish Bishops:
Cathedral of Valencia
On Saturday, 8 July 2006, the Holy Father was taken to the Cathedral of
Valencia, where he was received by the 32 canons, the 20 members of the
Confraternity of the Holy Chalice Chapter and a large group of priests
and Religious, including cloistered nuns. Here, the Pope signed his
Letter addressed to all Spanish Bishops, which he presented to Bishop
Blázquez Pérez Ricardo of Bilbao, President of the Spanish Bishops'
Conference.
Family
Meeting, City of Arts and Sciences
On Saturday evening, 8 July, the Holy Father went to the City or Arts
and Sciences, a modern complex of public buildings in central Valencia,
for the prayer meeting and festive conclusion of the Fifth World Meeting
of Families.
Holy Mass:
Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences
On Sunday morning, 9 July 2006, the Holy Father returned to the City of
Arts and Sciences. Here, the Pope celebrated a special Mass of Families,
with readings selected for their connection with the theme of the World
Meeting: "The transmission of faith in the family."
Angelus
Reflection: City of Arts and Sciences
On Sunday morning, 9 July, at the City of
Arts and Sciences in Valencia, before the final Blessing of Holy Mass at
which he had presided, the Holy Father spoke to the faithful prior to
leading the recitation of the Angelus. He encouraged them to open their
hearts and homes to Christ, through the intercession of Mary.
Farewell Ceremony: Valencia-Manises
Airport
On Sunday afternoon, 9 July
2006, the Holy Father was driven to Valencia-Manises International
Airport for his return to Rome. IN his farewell address, the Pope
expressed his thanks to civil and religious authorities, and his hope
that the Fifth World Meeting of Families would "help today's world to
understand that the marriage covenant ... is a great good for all
humanity."
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