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the mutual respect that should exist among the members of the Christian
family. These ceremonies also underline the importance of the “the broader
communion of the family” as envisaged by Pope John Paul II in Familiaris
Consortio 21. Greeting the Parish Priest and Others is a custom that
proclaims the relationship between the Domestic Church and the “ecclesial
communion” as described in Familiaris Consortio 21.

4.1.3 To Be the Community of Love

Magisterium Southist Family Custom
of Pope John Paul II
Familiaris Consortio 11, 18, Betrothal-Communion between Two
20, 21 Families (Ch. 3.7.2.)
Feeding with Special Pudding (Ch.
3.7.3.2)
Blessings from the Elders (Ch. 3.7.4)
Elders Bless the Couple and Receive
Hand-outs (Ch. 3.7.9.4)
Ceremonies after the Death of a Family
Member (Ch. 3.8.2)
Embracing the Relatives of the Dead
(Ch. 3.8.2.1)
Sharing the Same Drink (Ch. 3.8.2.2)
The Tying of the Thāli (Ch. 3.7.5)

The most essential virtue, which the members of every family need
to possess and practice, is charity. As the Apostle Paul said that Christ died
for humanity out of love, in the same way, Christians are called to love one
another, since the love of Christ urges them (2Cor. 5,14). Pope John Paul II
underlined the importance of the love union that should exist in the family:
“(T)he love that animates the interpersonal relationships of the different
members of the family constitutes the interior strength that shapes and
14
animates the family communion and community”. Ceremonies after the
Death of a Family Member such as Embracing the Relatives of the Dead
and Sharing the Same Drink, clearly agree with the above words of Pope
because by doing these ceremonies the close relatives express their love that
helps the children to overcome the loss of the dear one. They are also
examples of solidarity and love that needs to exist among the members of

14
Familiaris Consortio, no. 21.

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