The cardinal patriarch of Lisbon expressed his pleasure for the development of a “Centre for the reception, support and guidance of families” based in Carnide, organised by the diocese in partnership with Caritas Portugal. “At first, the purpose of the ‘Families with life’ project will be to give actual support to the Christian ideal of the family, by providing answers to the influence of contemporary life, which leads people astray”, monsignor Manuel Clemente stated as he presented the initiative. The president of Caritas, José Frias Gomes, emphasised the importance of providing effective support to households who are going through difficult times: “The idea, inspired by Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation ‘Amoris laetitia’ and the conclusions of the Episcopal Synod, has a programmatic content that, in addition to the usual economic, healthcare and educational aids, also intends to provide food for thought about family values”. Lastly, father Rui Pedro Carvalho, director of the family pastoral service of the Patriarchate of Lisbon, placed emphasis on the preventative value of the plan: “Families must be able to receive support more easily: firstly, we will stake everything on the training of family advisors and the development of a web platform, and will conduct a specific survey about families and professionals of Lisbon’s Pastoral Service”.