With large families often experiencing vocal societal disapproval of their generosity towards new life, the pope's praise for large families last week came as a welcome assurance. Pope John Paul II issued a message of praise and admiration for large families in his 2004 Lenten Message released Saturday in anticipation of Lent which commences February 25 — Ash Wednesday. The Pope noted that this year's Lenten theme — 'Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.' (Mt 18:5) — “invites us to reflect on the condition of children.”
The pope said that “the Lord repeats to His disciples in our time” the call “'to become' one of the least and 'to receive' the little ones.'” He noted “Only the one who makes himself one of the “least” is able to receive with love the “least” of our brothers and sisters.”
He then praised large families, saying: “Many believers strive faithfully to follow these teachings of the Lord. Here I would mention those parents who willingly take on the responsibility of a large family, mothers and fathers who, rather than considering success in their profession and career as the highest value, make every effort to pass on to their children those human and religious values that give true meaning to life.”
Read the complete Lenten message
This update courtesy of Vatican Information Service.
