In his apostolic exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), Pope Francis shared touching quotes on the dignity of life and motherhood.

“Mothers … testify to the beauty of life,” the Pope wrote.

“Without mothers, not only would there be no new faithful, but the faith itself would lose a good part of its simple and profound warmth. … Dear mothers: Thank you! Thank you for what you are in your family and for what you give to the Church and the world.”

He also noted: “Every child growing within the mother’s womb is part of the eternal loving plan of God the Father.”

“Each child has a place in God’s heart from all eternity; once he or she is conceived, the Creator’s eternal dream comes true,” he said. “Let us pause to think of the great value of that embryo from the moment of conception. We need to see it with the eyes of God, who always looks beyond mere appearances.”

Happy Mother’s Day!