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Fatherhood
has its origins in God, who chose to reveal Himself to us as Our
Father, sending his only Son for the sake of our salvation. Fathers
therefore have a special role “in revealing and in reliving on earth the
very fatherhood of God” (Familiaris consortio 25). Fathers are called to exhibit “generous responsibility for the life conceived under the heart of the mother” (FC
25). They are uniquely entrusted with the protection and defense of
both mother and child and, in this way, in safeguarding the sanctity of
human life.
As evidenced in our world today, the role of the father “is of unique and irreplaceable importance” (FC
25). Often women choose abortion because they do not have the support
of the child’s father, or—even worse—the father of the child pressures
her to make the decision to abort. At the same time, it is important to
acknowledge with compassion that men can also be overwhelmed by an
unexpected pregnancy and that society increasingly tells them that they
should have no say in their children’s lives. In the face of these false
messages, we pray that fathers of preborn children will find courage in
the example of Saint Joseph—who embraced the role of father amid
difficult circumstances—and offer loving, life-affirming support to the
mothers of their children.
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