The Voice wishes all its readers a blessed and fulfilling Holy Week & Easter.
Let us pray for one another.

IN THE FAMILY WAY

Even if not everyone has had the very best of experiences, most people feel obliged to feel that the word “family” should appeal to them. Such is its pulling power that organisations of all kinds from schools to car manufacturers, football clubs to departments in various branches of the civil service, do not hesitate to project themselves under the image of “Family.”

Catholics have always been strong backers of the idea of the family, finding inspiration in the model of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. None of us therefore will be greatly surprised to hear of Pope Benedict’s intention to be present at this year’s International Gathering of Catholic Families at Valencia in July. [Front Page] We may even be inclined to take this year’s theme, “The Transmission of Faith in the Family.” for granted. But we shouldn’t. The very ease with which organisations use the idea of the family as a way of selling themselves to the public should put us on our guard against using the word too lightly. When we talk of “The Transmission of Faith in the Family.” we must remember that in that context “Family” does not always mean Mum, Dad and the children. Here in England we have proof of this in the life and martyrdom of St. Margaret Clitherow. The “family” that nourished her faith was found outside the walls of her domestic home, in the Shambles area of York. To give credence to the importance it gives to the family, the Church must itself act like one. We must not be caught using “Family” as a mere label to sell a product. If “Faith” is indeed transmitted through the medium of the family then we should behave like one. As Marshall McLuhan said over forty years ago, “the medium is message.” Pope John Paul II got the inspiration for an international Gathering of Catholic Families from the United Nations Yaer of the Family in 1994. What a return we could give the secular world if it was clear that for us the word “Family” was not a cosy marketing phrase even in the service of the Gospel, but rather the reality of how we are towards one another

THE GOOD LIFE

As we go to press, we learn of the death of John Profumo. In the early 1960’s his name dominated the headlines with revelations of sex scandals, lies, betrayal, political intrigue and one tragic suicide. Only some of us will be old enough to remember those times, but all generations should remember what followed. Within days of his departure from political life, Mr Profumo turned up at Toynbee Hall Refuge centre and asked to help with the washing up. He stayed for nearly 40 years, using his political skills to raise huge funds, and expanding the charity's activities to include social programmes and youth training. We may not rush to have him canonised, but if we believe in human dignity and yes, Sainthood, we should not overlook his example of repentance and reform. A life to listen to this Lent.