Father Herman Sharplis says the family is the first school of human values

The Head of the Family Life Commission of the Diocese of Roseau, Fr Herman Sharplis has called for the recognition of the family as the first school of human values, where we learn to use freedom. His call came while delivering the homily at the closing mass for Family Week 2025.

Addressing pilgrims gathered at the Church of Our lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel, Fr. Sharplis made reference to one of many of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation - Amoris Laetitia ( On Love in the Family).

Fr, Sharplis, who is chair of the Family Life Commission in the Diocese of Roseau, reinforced that ”it is in the family we learn to relate, listen and share , to be patient , show respect and love one another and live as one”.

He was also very emphatic in promoting the family as the Domestic Church and the Liturgy of the Domestic Church Life designed by Dr Grey and Lisa Popcak.

The Liturgy of the Domestic Church life calls on families to “schedule family time first; exhibit extravagant affection and affirmation; exhibit prompt, generous, cheerful and consistent attention to each other’s needs and discipleship discipline”. These Fr. Sharplis added can be reinforced through “family prayer rituals, family play rituals, family talk rituals and family work rituals”.

Family Week in the Diocese of Roseau culminated on Saturday 17 th May with hundreds of pilgrims participating in a Family Pilgrimage from The Holy Spirit Chapel in Loubiere to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel.

The Day’s activity ended with celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Nigel Karam, Vicar General of the Diocese as main celebrant.

The theme for Family Week 2025 was “Our Families, Our Hope”. Family week formed part of the Jubilee Year being celebrated under the theme” Pilgrims of Hope”.

The event was coordinated by the Family Life Commission and the Family Life Units in the various parishes.