English
EspañolThe State, as such, neither begets nor loves. It cannot. Children are begotten by their parents and are loved, for that very reason, from their conception during all their lives. Parents and the love shared between them have been entrusted with the growth and maturation of the persons of their children. Since they have conceived the lives of their children, parents have the primary and inalienable right – as well as the sacred duty – to educate them. Any attempt to deprive them of that right manifests totalitarianism and oppressive dictatorship.
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“(…) At the same time I feel it important to reiterate that the overall education of children is a “most serious duty” and at the same time a “primary right” of parents. This is not just a task or a burden, but an essential and inalienable right that parents are called to defend and of which no one may claim to deprive them.” (The Joy of Love, n.84)
Commentary
When we meet with our children’s teachers at school, we always remind them that we are the ones in charge of their education. The principal usually replies: “I wish all parents were so clear about this.”
If we do not exercise our rights to educate, which are entitled to us as parents, who will execute them better than us without having conceived and loved our children? Let us not neglect this sacred right and duty. Our children deserve our love. And educating them very well is part of the truth and fidelity of our love for them. Helping them grow as good people capable of love lasts a lifetime, not only during their academic studies.
That is why, as grandparents, we continue “educating” our children, grandchildren, and everyone. When our children are adults and have their own children, we educate them with the testimony of our love. The first lesson is the example of continuing to love and treat each other, as spouses, with the tenderness of good love. There is no deeper and more touching inheritance than grandparents’ solid and tender conjugal love.
