LIMA , Peru — Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima exhorted Peruvians at a recent Mass to pray to the Lord of Miracles and not to allow “the world to destroy the family.”

“The Lord is telling me that we must protect the family,” Cardinal Cipriani said at an Oct. 28 Mass celebrating the national Solemnity of the Lord of Miracles.

“Long live our fathers, children, grandchildren and grandparents, because the family is wonderful,” the cardinal said.

“May others see that we love each other. May parents teach their children from the time they are little,” he said. “And parents should teach by word and example and have them baptized, so that Jesus can speak to their hearts.” 

In his homily, Cardinal Cipriani explained that “the family must be a joyful place, because the love of God leads us to live joyfully and spread joy to others.”

He also prayed that the Lord of Miracles would bring consolation to the faithful and accompany them during the traditional processions to mark the national feast day.

“The Lord of Miracles has a beautiful home, which is the heart, the parish and the community of each one of us,” the cardinal said. “For this reason, Lord, free the Church of so much material concern; show us the treasure of your Son. Free your Church from the weight of material possessions, from political quarrels.”

He added, “May the Church devote herself to showing the face of Christ, to teaching the Ten Commandments and the sacraments.”

He also invited the faithful to “visit the sick and accompany those who are alone, to take pity on those suffering.”

Cardinal Cipriani said, “The Lord brings us together in faith and looks upon us with joy. For this reason, I pray to the Lord of Miracles for each one of you, that your hearts may always be joyful.”