Bishop encourages Chileans to be holy

Auxiliary Bishop Pedro Ossandon of Concepcion, Chile is encouraging Catholics to strengthen marriage and the family through holiness.

Bishop Ossandon told families during a Mass at the Cathedral of Concepcion, “God invites us to care for the family like a vineyard, working so it will give abundant fruit that is made manifest in the love between spouses, between parents and children and children and parents, as well as between siblings.”
 
The bishop's appeal came as Chileans began celebrating the Month of the Family on Oct. 4. This year Catholics across the country will use material prepared by the Archdiocese of Concepcion during the 30-day commemoration.

He noted that the family is an institution founded by God and not something “invented” by society.  He encouraged Chileans to give thanks to the Lord for their families, which are the “domestic Church.”
 
The bishop also exhorted Chileans to do God’s will and to follow the teachings of Jesus, which help to strengthen marriage and the family.
 
“Be faithful to your vocation and to the will of God. May your families stand out for their holiness in order to be the domestic Church where the love of God manifest in his Son Jesus Christ is shared,” he added.
 
At the conclusion of the Mass Bishop Ossandon imparted a special blessing to all the families present.