Faith in the family

As a parish priest I often have access to people's lives, both everyday and at special moments. I never cease to be fascinated by family life, with all its varieties, variations, virtues and, sadly, sometimes vices.

How heart-warming is a loving family, and what a difference it makes at that most difficult of moments, the death of one of its own. Yet in those very tears there can be something particulalry heart-warming. This was the case in a funeral today where one could sense the love that a family has had and will continue to have for Mum, grandma and so on. I referred to this in the homily, talking about the two 'f's  of Faith and Family, which were at the heart of Maria's life.

Sometimes an image can capture this unique and beautiful reality of family love. I came across this little video today when it popped up in that righthand list that appears down the side of YouTube as users of that will know.  Take a look then at some random dad at Disney in Florida, joining a resident pianist for an impromptu "Ave Maria".  But, more particularly take a look at his daughter, gazing at daddy with utter pride and love. Call me a big softie, but I love it...  Click on this link