“At the last Executive Board meeting of FAFCE, I found a very close group, capable of engaging in open discussions, not just about their own matters but above all on the role of families and family networks in today’s Europe, as aptly described in the Resolution for Families and Family Networks” adopted at last week’s meeting. It is Vincenzo Bassi, president of the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe, who commented the Executive Board’s work. A statement that arrived just today, the International Day of Families. “It was extremely encouraging to see how the Executive Board dealt with the current challenges, first and foremost falling birth rates, while also insisting on the key role of families and family networks in shaping the future of our continent”. The Executive Board meeting was held at the Abbey of Marienkroon, near ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Netherlands), from May 6^th to 8^th. Many topics were addressed with lots of guests, including mgr. Hans van den Hende, Bishop of Rotterdam, and Deacon René de Weerd. A focus on social doctrine and families in the current scenario. The Federation’s Board then discussed and adopted a Resolution for “Families and Family Networks”. FAFCE members concluded that, “faithful to the Gospel and to the social doctrine of the Church, the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe is committed to testifying to and promoting family life, while acknowledging that the future of mankind has to go through family life”. The meeting was ended by a Mass, officiated by mgr. Rob Mutsaerts, Auxiliary Bishop of Den Bosch. In addition, the Executive Board accepted a new organisation from the Netherlands as a new member: the Gift4Families Foundation.