Dublin, Ireland, has been chosen by Pope Francis to host the next World Meeting of Families from 21-26 August 2018, guided by the theme “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World”.

Held every three years, this major international event brings together families from across the world to celebrate, pray and reflect upon the central importance of marriage and the family as the cornerstone of our lives, of society and of the Church.  

To find out about registration for tickets to the event in Knock and Dublin, please visit the World Meeting of Families website.
Registration will open on Monday 25 June.

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World Meeting of Families Official Prayer

[blockquote animation=”” author=”” ]God, our Father, we are brothers and sisters in Jesus your Son, one family, in the Spirit of your love. Bless us with the joy of love. Make us patient and kind, gentle and generous, welcoming to those in need. Help us to live your forgiveness and peace. Protect all families with your loving care, especially those for whom we now pray. [Pause] Increase our faith, strengthen our hope, keep us safe in your love. Make us always grateful for the gift of life that we share. This we ask, through Christ our Lord, Amen.[/blockquote]

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Sunday 26 August 2018 – Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Knock Shrine

08:40    Departure by plane for Knock
09:20    Arrival at Ireland West Airport Knock
09:45    Arrival at Knock Shrine
Visit to the Apparition Chapel at Knock Shrine
Angelus of the Holy Father on the square in front of the Shrine
10:45    Transfer to the airport in Knock
11:10    Arrival at the airport in Knock
11:15    Departure by plane for Dublin
11:50    Arrival at Dublin International Airport
View the full APOSTOLIC JOURNEY of His Holiness Pope Francis to Ireland 

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018 EVENTS

21 August 2018 – Opening of World Meeting of Families 2018
Simultaneous National Opening of WMOF2018 in all dioceses in Ireland

22 to 24 August 2018 – World Meeting of the Families Pastoral Congress
Keynote speakers, workshops and discussions; exhibitions, art and cultural activities, daily celebration of the Eucharist, liturgical and prayerful activities. Each day will reflect on the theme “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World” chosen by the Holy Father. The venue has been confirmed as the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Evening of 25 August – Festival of Families
A festive time, where we gather to celebrate the gift of family from the perspective of the specific theme of the World Meeting. This will be a cultural celebration of music, dance, song, within a prayerful and joyful setting, and with the aid of stories given by families from different parts of the world.
Venue: Croke Park Stadium.

26 August 2018 – Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
The World Meeting of the Families 2018 will conclude with a Solemn Mass in thanksgiving to God, the Holy Trinity, for the gift of family and for its sanctification.
Venue: Phoenix Park. Find out more here..

The WMOF Icon of the Holy Family was unveiled at Knock Shrine during the 3pm Novena ceremony on the 21st August 2017.

The Icon has now started to travel to each diocese in Ireland to encourage reflection and prayer as part of the journey of preparations to WMOF2018. The icon is accompanied by petition boxes, where families can write their intentions and prayer. Contemplative communities around Ireland will pray for the intentions collected during the coming year.

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Learn about the WMOF 2018 Icon of the Holy Family with Iconographer Mihai CuCu 

https://youtu.be/ZQHy2ZUBTPo

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Find out more about WMOF 2018!

https://youtu.be/9bMH15_YVHs

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