G
gilliam
Guest
Even if Pope Francis’ dedication and efforts have a great impact, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier is convinced that, in order to bring the family to a new level, those on a local level must step it up.
In an interview this week with ZENIT, the South African cardinal and Synod Father for the “B” English discussion group, who was just appointed to the writing committee, representing Africa, shares why movements and individual members of families need to play their part, especially, he says, men.
Moreover, the South African prelate shares with ZENIT what the biggest issues are facing African families and the positive developments he feels can be achieved before the next Synod. He also says he believes the Holy Father is responding to their difficulties, as well as what the rest of the world can learn from Africa’s families.
ZENIT: What do you believe are the biggest challenges to the family in Africa? Is the synod addressing how to best handle them?
Cardinal Napier: The chief problem facing the family in Africa is a global culture which is unraveling the social fabric of African society in general and the family in particular. Economic realities take many fathers, and increasingly mothers as well, away from the family. As a result grandparents, especially grannies, find themselves replacing mothers and fathers as they bring up the next generation. Sometimes this is compounded by the effects of HIV/AIDS when orphaned children are left caring for younger siblings. In such cases not only is the children’s education compromised, but they are also forced to play the role of adults when they are still children.
A second major issue affecting families in Africa is the disruption of life caused by political conflict, wars and other social upheavals.
I think the Synod is addressing these and other family problems by calling for the initiation or the renewal of family ministries.
zenit.org/en/articles/cardinal-napier-pope-can-only-do-so-much-changes-must-happen-locally
In an interview this week with ZENIT, the South African cardinal and Synod Father for the “B” English discussion group, who was just appointed to the writing committee, representing Africa, shares why movements and individual members of families need to play their part, especially, he says, men.
Moreover, the South African prelate shares with ZENIT what the biggest issues are facing African families and the positive developments he feels can be achieved before the next Synod. He also says he believes the Holy Father is responding to their difficulties, as well as what the rest of the world can learn from Africa’s families.
ZENIT: What do you believe are the biggest challenges to the family in Africa? Is the synod addressing how to best handle them?
Cardinal Napier: The chief problem facing the family in Africa is a global culture which is unraveling the social fabric of African society in general and the family in particular. Economic realities take many fathers, and increasingly mothers as well, away from the family. As a result grandparents, especially grannies, find themselves replacing mothers and fathers as they bring up the next generation. Sometimes this is compounded by the effects of HIV/AIDS when orphaned children are left caring for younger siblings. In such cases not only is the children’s education compromised, but they are also forced to play the role of adults when they are still children.
A second major issue affecting families in Africa is the disruption of life caused by political conflict, wars and other social upheavals.
I think the Synod is addressing these and other family problems by calling for the initiation or the renewal of family ministries.
zenit.org/en/articles/cardinal-napier-pope-can-only-do-so-much-changes-must-happen-locally
