International Day of Families 2025

May 15th marks the celebration of the International Day of Families. Since 1993, the United Nations General Assembly has sought to highlight the importance of this social structure—one that is as ancient as it is essential, still relevant and deeply needed in our lives today. We all have a sense of what family is, even though our mental images may differ. Many of us were born into a home with a father, mother, and siblings. And often, this close-knit circle extended to include grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins… Sometimes, we have formed new families ourselves, giving rise to new generations. And in many other cases, we have found in social groups (at work, in our parish, associations…) a close circle we’ve chosen as our family. With so much diversity, it’s clear that the purpose of this day is to acknowledge the value of these social bonds. Individualism doesn’t seem to foster growth as effectively as having a network of support and care.

I pause for a moment and reflect: what has my family meant for my origins? It’s a personal opinion, yes—but one confirmed by my own experience. For me, family has generated three powerful actions:

• "To shape me": I am who I am because of everything that surrounded me since birth. In my life, I recognize my parents’ genetics (an original blend of two people that makes me unique): responsibility, order, a strong work ethic; a love of culture, reading, learning, and travel; a sense of humor, music, craftsmanship… But also, the influence of my sister, grandparents, and all those who love me as family—even if they weren’t there from the beginning. How many expressions, reactions have I picked up? How many have I imitated?
• "To empower me": not everything comes from the outside. Each of us arrives in the world with a unique essence that makes us original and irreplaceable. And it’s others who help us discover our particular gifts, strengthen them, and develop them until they shine.
• "To challenge me": without opportunities and challenges, growth isn’t possible. “Why don’t you study this…?” “You’d be great at…” “You’d love this book…” “Wanna come along…?” Invitations, suggestions, paths… generously offered by those who love us, guiding us on an exciting journey: to become ourselves, to mature, to grow… and above all, to discover our life’s calling.

I cannot understand family as anything other than a core of love, forgiveness, learning, respect, generosity, tolerance, patience, a certain degree of challenge, freedom, joy, rest, and security… Would anyone deny that these are essential values for any peaceful society? That’s why I see family as a social structure that creates a dynamic of giving and receiving: a necessary sending forth into the world, into society, into relationships and adventure… and an inevitable return to the same, seeking simple, easy connections, the joy of being (together), of celebrating.

And one last insight. Who would deny that the true treasure of family lies in the ongoing practice of all these values? This is its greatest virtue. And above all, its commitment to being present when things get tough. As educators, we’re convinced that students facing the biggest challenges make it through when their families are engaged (and when we walk with each other). Loss, crisis, and life’s blows become more bearable when they can be shared freely, carried with love, generosity and tolerance, when the family pulls together, becomes a tribe… or simply, IS THERE.

That’s why today we celebrate with deep gratitude that we were given a cradle and found a home; that from our family we go out into the world, and from the world we can always return home.

María Arinero

Provinceof Spain