Santo Domingo, DR. — Thousands of people have gathered on the Malecón of Santo Domingo to walk together under the motto “A step for my family with hope towards Easter”with the purpose of encouraging good values and highlighting the importance of the core of society: the family.
The day One Step for my Family 2025 has the participation of the coadjutor archbishop of Santo Domingo, Carlos Morel Diplan; congregation; bishops; priests from all over the country; as well as the bishop of the Stella Maris Diocese, Manuel Antonio Ruiz de la Rosa.
The Catholic Church, through the Episcopal Vicariate of Family and Life, called on all citizens of Santo Domingo to participate this Sunday, November 23, in the traditional walk “A Step for my Family”an activity that is part of the celebrations of the Family and Vocations Month.
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He highlighted that November is a time dedicated to reflecting on the importance of the family nucleus in society. According to the Vicariate, the family – founded on marriage between a man and a woman – constitutes “the most important institution” and should be celebrated as a space where each person is “received, loved, valued and defended.”
An initiative that was born in 2012
“Un Paso por mi Familia” began in 2012, promoted by the National Family Commission (CNF) with the purpose of promoting family values and strengthening the stability of Dominican homes.
The experience began with walks organized in each diocese, in which bishops, priests, deacons, nuns and faithful participated, all carrying banners, t-shirts and banners alluding to the defense of the family.
In Santo Domingo, the first editions were held on the Malecón and culminated with a Eucharist in the Eugenio María de Hostos Park.
In 2016, the activity was consolidated as a national event, also on the capital’s Malecón, bringing together tens of thousands of people. Since then, it has become one of the most important mass gatherings of the Archdiocese, with attendance of more than 50,000 participants in the capital alone.
Values promoted during the day
The walk highlights a wide range of family and social values, including: fidelity, honesty, responsibility, trust, life, love, generosity, tolerance, faith, brotherhood, peace, truth, justice, solidarity, respect, communication and forgiveness.
For this year, the organization especially highlighted hope and the culture of care, in line with the motto chosen for the 2024 edition:
“A Step for my Family with Hope towards Easter.”
A celebration that is also artistic and community expression
In addition to the walk, the day will include theatrical presentations, dances, songs and music. As is tradition, the event will conclude with a Eucharist presided over by the archbishop, who will bring together the participating families in a festive and spiritual closing.
The Episcopal Vicariate of Family and Life reiterated its invitation to all citizens, encouraging families to come together and experience a day dedicated to unity, values and faith.
