(-ONLY VIDEO-) In his first general audience of 2015, Pope Francis focused his catechesis on the role of mothers both in society and in the Church. He added that being a mother entails much more than just childbearing. He went on to describe motherhood as the antidote of self-centeredness.
The Pope also highlighted some of the words of late Salvadorian Archbishop Oscar Romero, who described the sacrifice women make as the 'martyrdom of mothers.'
Oscar Romero was killed in El Salvador in 1980 as he celebrated Mass.
SUMMARY OF CATEQUESIS:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on the family, and inspired by the Christmas image of Our Lady who presents her Son to the world, we now reflect on the role of mothers in society and in the Church.
For all our symbolic glorification of mothers, their important contribution to the life of society, their daily sacrifices and their aspirations are not always properly appreciated. Mothers are an antidote to the spread of a certain self-centredness, a decline in openness, generosity and concern for others.
In this sense, motherhood is more than childbearing; it is a life choice, entailing sacrifice, respect for life, and commitment to passing on those human and religious values which are essential for a healthy society. Archbishop Oscar Romero spoke in this regard of a 'martyrdom of mothersâ?, whose sensitivity to all that threatens human life and welfare is a source of enrichment for society and the Church. Today I ask you to join me in thanking mothers everywhere for what they are, and for all that they give to the Church and to our world.
Speaker:
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in todayâ??s Audience, including the various groups from Ireland, Finland, Indonesia, Australia and the United States of America. In the joy of this Christmas season, I invoke upon you and your families grace and peace in the Lord Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, our Mother. God bless you all!
JRB
CTV
JM
-BN
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