Santo Domingo witnessed a vibrant celebration of family unity and values as thousands of Dominican families participated in the annual walk, ‘A Step for My Family,’ led by Monsignor Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán and other church authorities. The event, held in honor of Family and Vocation Month, brought together entire households in a festive atmosphere filled with music, cultural presentations, and a shared sense of hope. Since its inception in 2012, the initiative has consistently emphasized the family—rooted in the union of a man and a woman—as the cornerstone of society.
In his homily, Monsignor Morel underscored the pivotal role families play in shaping the moral and Christian foundations of the nation. He highlighted that many societal challenges arise from homes where essential values such as honesty, responsibility, fidelity, and hard work are neglected. He urged parents to take the lead in imparting values-based education and cautioned against cultural movements that seek to redefine the traditional family structure, warning that societies falter when they stray from their core principles.
The event culminated with the reading of the National Manifesto for the Family, a document that reaffirmed the family as the fundamental unit of society. It called on government authorities, businesses, and citizens to support policies that bolster family structures. The manifesto emphasized the importance of dignified living conditions, access to education and healthcare, protection for vulnerable households, value-centered education, responsible media content, and State decisions that prioritize the defense of life and family. The Church reiterated its unwavering commitment to advocating for these values, essential for fostering a stronger and more hopeful Dominican Republic.