In Wednesday’s General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis stressed the importance of togetherness in Catholic families, exhorting the faithful to eat together at home, and at the table of the Lord.

Vatican Radio is reporting on the pope’s catechesis on the family which focused on the importance of togetherness.

“Sitting at table for the family dinner, sharing our meal and the experiences of our day, is a fundamental image of togetherness and solidarity,” the pope said.

He went on to explain that because Jesus gave us the Eucharist as a meal, there is a close relationship between families and the Mass.

“The togetherness we experience in our families is meant, in the family of the Church, to extend to all as a sign of God’s universal love. In this way the Eucharist becomes a school of inclusion, in which we learn to be attentive to the needs of everyone,” he said.

“Sadly, the family meal, this great symbol of togetherness, is disappearing in some societies. Food itself, the very sign of our sharing with other, is wantonly wasted in some places, while our brothers and sisters go hungry in others. The Eucharist reminds us that our bread is meant to be shared with all.”

Francis concluded with a prayer: “May our families, and the entire Church, be signs of togetherness and solidarity for the good of the whole human family, especially during the coming Jubilee of Mercy.”

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