Contact: Erin McClellan, 503-460-5363, Erinm@ocp.org; Kelcee Marcum, 503-460-5358, kelceem@ocp.org; both with OCP

PORTLAND, Ore., June 12, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rising Catholic music artist Josh Blakesley was named Ambassador to Children and Families by the Forum de la Famiglie during this year's World Gathering of Families in Milan, Italy.

Along with other influential Catholic leaders to families and young people from all over the globe, Blakesley was presented with the Charter of Family Rights. Outlining articles of rights of families that were introduced by Pope John Paul II in 1983. The charter says "...all persons have the right to the free choice of their state of life and thus to marry and establish a family or remain single."

Blakesley, who rose to international recognition with his contemporary hit "You Are the Light" earlier this year, was asked to bring the charter back to the U.S. and carry the message of Pope John Paul II -- the importance and celebration of families in modern society -- to those he touches through his music and ministry.

About World Gathering of Families
The World Gathering of Families occurs every three years. This year's celebration was held May 30 -- June 3 in Milan, Italy. It was officiated by Fracisco Billete, president of the Forum Famiglie (Consulter to the Pontifical Council for the Family) and was attended by thousands of families from nearly every country in the world.

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