The second Triduum mass in accordance with the incoming Feast of the Holy Family was presided over by Rev. Fr. Bien Miguel. On this day, we commemorate the holy infants, victims of violence. In his homily, he emphasizes the importance of children and sees the children as a gift and not a burden.
The continuous decrease in the fertility rate across the globe implies that the fewer the number of babies, the lesser the number of people joining the workforce and economic growth (GDP). If this will continue in the long run, by the following year humans will be extinct. Currently, the population is at its peak since most elderly’s aren’t dead yet, however, when their time comes, a huge decrease will be visible.
“The difference between childless and childfree is that: childless is desiring to have a child but is unable to reproduce while child free is opting not to have a baby.”
He shared his experiences whenever he interviewed soon-to-be-wed couples when they are planning to have a child. The most common reply he received is, “We’ll have a baby when we are economically stable.” However, when they are now willing to have a child, they already missed the opportunity for they now became childless.
Other than prioritizing financial stabilization there is also an implication regarding abortion and the affordability of childcare. Abortion itself is a huge factor in decreasing the population amplifying it with perception and mentality towards abortion is another factor.
“Our strength came from our families, our strength is in the youth.”
That is why the Feast of the Holy Family is a reminder to us that human life is ‘valuable’. The children are not burdens but a gift. The government must make childcare affordable since most people don’t want to have children because it is costly. Second, make workplaces more flexible for mothers, third is to enhance maternity leave and paternity leave. Fourth, create family-friendly policies.
Article by: Athea Baranda