Holy See underscores role of parents for good of children and society

By Robin Gomes

Archbishop Auza thanked the world’s moms and dads and highlighted and acknowledged the contributions of moms and dads toward the good of children and society.

In his introductory remarks at the UN event co-sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation, the Holy See’s diplomat noted that the future of humanity depends on the how well moms and dads do in their mission as teachers in the “home school” where they form their children in so many essential human values, like socialization, trust, mutual respect and responsibility, education, hard work, affection, compassion, forgiveness, solidarity, and ethical development.

Parenting and four pillars of UN

Archbishop Auza said that good parenting is essential in achieving the four pillars of the UN, viz.  peacebuilding, development, promotion and defense of human rights and keeping international agreements and treaties.

But above all, he said , the family is at the heart of peacebuilding.   Good parenting of a committed mother and father who respect each other, is essential for forming children with peaceful hearts, who help each other, who learn how to work and till the soil for peace.

With regard to the development necessary to lift people up out of poverty, the family is similarly the foundational building block to education, health, nutrition, the equality and promotion of women, and so many of the other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Respect for human rights based on human dignity flows from the way people learn to respect their family members and learn fraternity and solidarity.

From the way moms and dads keep their commitments to each other  and their children at home, children are trained in accountability by doing homework and chores, telling the truth and keeping their word.

Family and society

The Global Day of Parents, Archbishop Auza said, aims to restore familial bonds.  The observance should particularly serve to highlight and acknowledge the contributions of moms and dads toward the good of children and society.

"Since the future of the world passes by way of families today," he said, "parents and future parents need to be prepared, supported and encouraged to carry out their indispensable role, individually and mutually as a committed dynamic duo."