July 4.   Fatima and Clive were aware that their daughter had embarked on a relationship with a young man from a very different background. “As an Indian family just choosing anyone is against our culture, something that we have been taught, and told our own children too. We don’t want to force her into marriage either these days, but we have tried to lead her to choose a partner that we can approve of. It is a sadness for us in our old age if our children lose their culture to pass on to our grandchildren.”  

Scripture: Abraham told his servant, “I will make you swear by the Lord the God of heaven and earth that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell but will go to my country and to my kindred and take a wife for my son Isaac.” Genesis 23-24.  Pope Francis. Some societies still maintain the practice of polygamy, in other places arranged marriages are an enduring practice. In many places the practice of living together before marriage is widespread, as well as cohabitation which excludes any intention to marry.  Surely it is legitimate and right to reject the older forms of the traditional family marked by authoritarianism and even violence, yet this should not lead to a disparagement of marriage itself but rather to the rediscovery of its authentic meaning and its renewal.  AL 53.  JUBILEE.  With renewed passion, let us demonstrate care and concern for adolescents, students and young couples, the rising generation. Let us draw close to the young, for they are the joy and hope of the Church and of the world! SNC 8. Act and pray. For the needs of families, especially grandparents and the elderly.