Eucharistic Adoration to Begin Marian Year

On the feast of the Holy Family, the Prelate of Opus Dei, accompanied by families in Rome, prayed before the Blessed Sacrament for all the families in the world.

Families from around Rome gathered in the basilica of St. Eugene's for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to accompany Bishop Echevarria in praying for all the families in the world. The Prelate has decided to convoke a Marian year, during which the faithful and cooperators of Opus Dei will go to our Lady's intercession in a special way for all families, in union with the intentions of Pope Francis.

In his prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Echevarria said: "Today, feast of the Holy Family, we feel even closer to this Lord of ours, who has wanted to come into our world through a family. He has taken on our nature to teach us that we can sanctify all the circumstances of daily life, also in our family life."

"Thank you Lord, because you have wanted to show your closeness to us through this path, so that we don't feel distant from you. We also give thanks to Mary and Joseph. We recognize our need to draw close to these two exalted figures: Mary, a woman like every woman; and Joseph, a man like every man. Both gave expression to their love for you through the realities of ordinary life, which many people might not give importance to. They have shown us that all noble human activities can become prayer, and thus have prepared for us a path to stay close to our Lord."

"Thank you Lord," the Prelate continued, "for allowing us to touch you, to follow you closely, as you did Mary and Joseph. Thank you, because you have wanted to be one of us, you who are perfect God and perfect Man. You haven't sought to spare yourself any situation that could separate you from other men. You have willed to suffer tiredness and neediness, finding happiness in a poor family."

"Today, following the Pope's indications, we are praying for all the families in the world. We need to pray each day for the world's families, asking that every country may fully accept in its laws the natural law that comes from God. That those who govern may seek justice and not undo this great treasure God has given us. Then people will be happier, even though at times living in a family requires effort and sacrifice in daily life. With joy we want never to cede in seeking to protect this institution grounded in natural law, and we will pray constantly for the family."

"May each of us feel responsible for strengthening the family. The happiness of many families in the world depends on our prayer and sacrifices."

The Prelate concluded his prayer by saying: "We also go once again to our Lady asking that she help us to be happy in this supernatural family of Opus Dei—we are truly a family! May our Lord teach us to serve all families. May God bless you."

Afterwards, he recited before the Blessed Sacrament the prayer for families composed by Pope Francis for the recent extraordinary Synod of Bishops:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

in you we contemplate

the splendor of true love;

to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

grant that our families too

may be places of communion and prayer,

authentic schools of the Gospel

and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may families never again experience violence, rejection and division;

may all who have been hurt or scandalized

find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may the approaching Synod of Bishops

make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,

and its beauty in God's plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

graciously hear our prayer.