The congress, organized by the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, brought together academics from different fields to discuss Bishop del Portillo’s figure, life and writings. It was held to celebrate the centenary of his birth and his upcoming beatification in Madrid on 27 September 2014.

Dr. Montserrat Gas gave the lecture “Bishop Álvaro del Portillo and the Family”, in which she discussed his contribution to the understanding of the Christian family in Canon Law and pastoral care. “For Bishop Álvaro del Portillo, family life, love and the creation and upbringing of children are an integral part of the Christian mission for those called to the vocation of marriage”, said the professor.

She explained that the future saint considered the Holy Family’s home in Nazareth to be a paradigm for the environment that should prevail in any Christian family. He urged followers to generously accept children, who are a “wonderful gift from God” and proof of his trust, and he asked them to firmly reject “any propaganda that spreads the fear of children”, which is typical of those who selfishly seek their own wellbeing.

Finally, she said that throughout his teachings, “Bishop del Portillo recognizes family love as the guiding principle for understanding family relationships and the mission of the family in the Church and in society”.