Pope to parents: see children as a gift to be guarded

December 31, 2012

At his midday audience on Sunday, December 30—the feast of the Holy Family—Pope Benedict XVI reminded parents that they are “neither the friends nor masters of their children’s lives, but the guardians of this incomparable gift from God.”

The Pope offered a special prayer for “all the families of the world,” encouraging parents to ensure the proper education of their children and especially to be mindful “that faith is a precious gift to be nourished in their children through personal example.”

“At the same time we pray that every child is welcomed as a gift from God,” the Pope continued.

 

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Further information:

• Angelus: A prayer for all the families of the world (Vatican Radio)
• Pope Benedict’s Message for the Feast of the Holy Family (National Catholic Register)