The Festival of the Families of Sion will celebrate its twentieth edition, dedicating it to the challenges in the aftermath of the Synod. On March 13th, the Bishop of Sion, Msgr. Jean-Marie Lovey, will preside the celebration of the Mass of Families, animated by a choir of children from different parishes under the direction of Thierry Epiney of Sierre's choir Arc en Ciel. The celebration will open the day, during which adults will participate in a panel discussion on "The Synod ... now what?", moderated by Patrice Favre, director of the magazine Echo, and children will take part in workshops and recreational activities planned especially for them.
"The Synod—said Bishop Lovey—has stirred things, not only in the city but in me and, I think, in everyone: we heard the pastoral desire for closeness with families as they find themselves, in the midst of all their complex realities." Throughout the day, there will be Eucharistic adoration in a chapel, and after the panel discussion there will be a show with Gabidou the clown and his children.
