The grand adventure of a human life – and all that it accomplishes – is only possible because of a mother. Jesus himself recognised this when he exclaimed, “When a woman is in labour, she is in anguish because her time has come; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.” (John 16:21)
Blessed John Paul II comments on how the role of life-bearer is integral to a woman’s personality and expresses itself in her attitude and sensitivity to those around her: “This unique contact with the new human being developing within her gives rise to an attitude towards human beings – not only towards her own child, but every human being – which profoundly marks the woman’s personality”.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Mulierus Dignitatem, the Apostolic Letter from Blessed John Paul II on the dignity and vocation of women. Mulierus Dignitatem describes the special role of woman as life-bearer – a unique capacity that belongs to every woman, whether or not she has ever given birth. The anniversary of its publication is a wonderful opportunity to reflect again on how in supporting women in their role as life-bearers, we promote a culture of life. Download the document Respecting the Life-Bearer to read the full story.
