World Meeting of Families to discuss LGBT issues
Day Two of the World Meeting of Families gets underway at the RDS in Dublin today.
Delegates will discuss a range of topics including marriage, parenting and the impact of technology on families.
The congress will also hold a session on 'Showing Welcome and Respect in our parishes for LGBT members and their families'.
A rainbow choir made up of LGBT singers will perform in protest outside the venue after an application to have a stand in the arena during the discussion was refused.
The talks today coincide with new government research which claims that one-in-three no longer fit the Church's traditional definition of family.
Single parents, gay parents and cohabiting couples are now almost as prevalent as the 'nuclear' family, according to the study.
Meanwhile, gardaí are increasing patrols amid fears of a spate of break-ins during Pope Francis' visit.
They are afraid that burglary gangs will be targeting empty homes as people attend events during the Pontiff's trip this weekend.
Homeowners are being advised to ask neighbours to keep an eye on their houses whilst they are out.
The three remaining key events of the World Meeting of Families are as below:
Three-day Congress in the RDS: Keynote speakers, workshops, talks, testimonies and discussions on the theme 'The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World'. The Congress will also include daily celebration of the Eucharist, exhibitions, cultural events, children's events and musical performances.
Download the RDS map here.
A Festival of Families: A concert-style event in which personal stories of faith will be shared by families from all continents.
Venue: Croke Park Stadium.
1. Knock visit:
The Pope arrives at Knock Shrine at 9.45am on Sunday 26 August. He will circuit in the pope mobile and pray the Angelus at the Apparition Chapel before departing from Knock Shrine at 11.15am. This will be the second time a Pope has visited Knock Shrine following the visit of Saint Pope John Paul II on September 30, 1979.
2. Final Mass: The World Meeting of Families (WMOF2018) will close with a Eucharistic Celebration attended by thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world.
Venue: Phoenix Park. Final Mass: 3pm - 4:45pm.
Download the Phoenix park map here.
More details here on the World Meeting of Families website here.
