English
EspañolSiblings are the first experience, the most original and intimate, of individual diversity based on equality of origin – an essential experience in order to live the fraternity, equality, and freedom of citizens in a democratic society.
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“Relationships between brothers and sisters deepen with the passing of time, and “the bond of fraternity that forms in the family between children, if consolidated by an educational atmosphere of openness to others, is a great school of freedom and peace.” (The Joy of Love, n.194)
Commentary
I grew up in a family with sibling fights and love. Perhaps, at times, the fights appeared more often than the love. However, the passage of time has been inverting the balance. We are six siblings with a diversity of character, ages, professions, marital status, and beliefs… a diversity that is quite harmonious and enriching.
After five years of being physically distant, we recently had a family reunion at my parents´ house. It was a gathering that has expanded with brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, boyfriends. The family´s diversity is even greater. With pleasure, I have been able to verify that fraternal love has grown over the years, has matured, and has been extended to new members, almost by transitive property. A relationship of unity that overcomes diverse interests and personal opinions while respecting them. This is the school of freedom and peace that my parents have managed to foster.
By having siblings, I have learned the miracle of free diversity based on respect for common equality since my childhood and in my family. Siblings are the best gift that parents can give their children. The bond of fraternity is the best way to learn generosity, fairness, and patience, listen to others and accompany them, compassion and mercy, willingness to tend to, care for, and help those who are my equals because they share the exact origin. However, each one of us is a different person.
