PARAGUAY, by Gissela Peralta – “Mass on 1 May in Tuparenda (2)” •
Tuparenda, the house of God, is a place I’ve visited with my family since I was a little girl. It’s also where I had a special experience this Sunday during Mass.
I am getting married in eight months and I’m preparing for the moment when I start my own family, listening to each conversation, each experience that can help me.
At breakfast, before going to mass, the conversation was about the importance of good relationships and, in particular, the relationship between parents and children.
Later, during Mass, my mind was following this train of thought: how is my own relationship with my parents and siblings?
My “Amoris Laetitia”
During Father’s homily on love, highlighting the Apostolic Exhortation I’m reading – Amoris Laetitia – and inspired by the morning’s conversation, I took out my journal and pen (during the homily) and I started making a list that I believe will help me in my future family (perhaps it’s an exercise that all who are doing their marriage preparation should do).
There, in this atmosphere of prayer with God, I reflected while glancing from time to time at the picture of the Holy Family of Nazareth in the Santa Maria de la Trinidad Church. What do I love about my family that I would like to imitate in my new family?
From family holidays, eating together, prayer on Sundays, going to mass together, there were so many things that I realized I value about my family.
It was the perfect place and the ideal moment to continue working on creating a family in which I can live the joy of love.
