The World Meeting of Families is a major international event, held every three years that 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.<\/p>\n
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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 \u201cThe Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World\u201d. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The key elements of the event are as follows:-<\/p>\n
21st<\/sup> August: a national opening<\/strong> of WMOF 2018, which will take place simultaneously\u00a0in all the different dioceses of Ireland.<\/p>\n 22 to the 24 August 2018<\/strong>,\u00a0a three -day congress <\/strong>which will be held at the RDS in Dublin. \u00a0Each day will reflect on the theme \u201cThe Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World\u201d chosen by the Holy Father and will include an enriching programme for adults of keynote speakers, workshops, talks, testimonies and discussions; an engaging and exciting programme for young people as well as fun activities for children. The Congress will also include daily celebration of the Eucharist, prayerful activities, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances.<\/p>\n Saturday 25 August 2018<\/strong>,\u00a0a Festival of Families: <\/strong>This concert-type event will take place in a large venue in Dublin on the evening of the 25th August 2018. It is a celebration of family life around the world that will feature musical and dance performances, as well as five selected families from around the world giving witness to their family\u2019s faith.<\/p>\n Sunday 26 August 2018<\/strong>, WMOF2018 will close with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, <\/strong>that will gather thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world.\u00a0The venue for the Final Mass will be announced subject to final confirmation of Pope Francis\u2019 attendance.\u00a0<\/p>\n The WMOF has taken place eight times since its inception in 1994.<\/p>\n 1994 \u2013 Rome, Italy
\n 1997 \u2013 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
\n 2000 \u2013 Rome, Italy
\n 2003 \u2013 Manilla, Philippines
\n 2006 \u2013 Valencia, Spain
\n 2009 \u2013 Mexico City, Mexico
\n 2012 \u2013 Milan, Italy
\n 2015 \u2013 Philadelphia, United States<\/p>\n