418. A child is a gift of God.

YOUCAT Lesson 418

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

What is the significance of the child in a marriage?

A child is a creature and a gift of God, which comes to the earth through the love of his parents.

Two of my grandchildren, Stephen and Beth. ….. 418

True love does not desire a couple to be self-contained.  Love opens up in the child.  A child that has been conceived and born is not something “made”, nor is he the sum of his paternal and maternal genes.  He is a completely new and unique creature of God, equipped with his own soul.  The child therefore does not belong to the parents and is not their property. [2378, 2398]368, 372

“A child “has the right to be respected as a person from the moment of his conception.”  Instruction Donum Vitae II, 8

“ (Children) are blessings.” William Shakespeare (1564-1616, English playwright)

“Every child is precious. Every child is a creature of God.” Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

 [2378, 2398]

2378 A child is not something owed to one, but is a gift. The "supreme gift of marriage" is a human person. A child may not be considered a piece of property, an idea to which an alleged "right to a child" would lead. In this area, only the child possesses genuine rights: the right "to be the fruit of the specific act of the conjugal love of his parents," and "the right to be respected as a person from the moment of his conception." (CDF, Donum vitae II,8.)¹⁷⁰ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

IN BRIEF

2398 Fecundity is a good, a gift and an end of marriage. By giving life, spouses participate in God's fatherhood. --CCC

People  Bragg Don C