Families from various parts of the world gathered in Rome last weekend, June 30 to July 1, to meet with Pope Leo XIV, offering living testimony to the grace of married life as a school of faith and a home for God’s love meant to radiate throughout the world.
The family of Rafael D’Aqui and his wife Natalie, both consecrated members of the Covenant Community and missionaries in Frankfurt (Germany), had the opportunity to live this long-awaited Jubilee in Rome together with their three children and also the grandparents.
“It was a beautiful experience. We were able to attend the audience with the Pope and see him up close. The children were very curious to see the Holy Father. For us, it was important to hear the Pope speak about the importance of the family and the transmission of faith within it—this strengthens us. We also had a missionary experience through our work with Aid to the Church in Need by distributing the Children’s Bible to the families attending the Jubilee, and our kids could see people’s interest in the Word of God.”
“The family that lives love heals the world”
For Ronayb and Gaelle Fernandes, both consecrated members of the Community of Life, originally from Brazil and France and currently serving as missionaries in Rome, living the Jubilee with their three children was “a profoundly beautiful experience,” as Ronayb shared:
“We experienced moments of great joy with the presence of many families and children, and also deep reflection and prayer on the mission of families in society.
It was a very special occasion for us to witness our missionary family life amid the challenges and realities of today’s world—a world marked by a lack of hope and courage among many couples to welcome children and raise them in holiness, helping build a new world.
Hearing various testimonies, experiences, and realities touched us deeply. It was moving to see that so many families truly desire holiness and fight for fidelity to God. Couples who, in their daily lives, seriously commit to their journey with God and raise their children in love for Him and their neighbor”.
The family is the first face of the Church, the sanctuary where one learns to love, forgive, and share. In a world wounded by division, selfishness, and an increasing culture of indifference, the presence of faithful, generous, life-giving families is a light shining in the darkness.
The love lived in the family has the power to heal the world. When parents forgive each other, when children learn to trust, when prayer becomes part of the routine, the Kingdom of God becomes visible among us.
The world needs holy families—not perfect, but courageous. Families who, even in trials, remain strong in faith and joyful in service. Families who, with humility, raise their children in truth, goodness, and eternity.”
