While the speeches and writings of St. John Paul II typically get a lot of attention, few know of the beauty of his predecessor Blessed John Paul I's writings.
Albino Luciani was elected on August 26, 1978, but died shortly thereafter on September 28, 1978. While his 33-day papacy was certainly limited, it does not mean he did nothing during that time.
In fact, the Vatican has published several of his speeches and letters on its website, including an address he gave to a group of bishops from the United States shortly before he died.
Marriage and the family
The address was given on September 21, 1978, only a week before Blessed John Paul I died. He spoke plainly about the beauty of marriage and the family:
What a wonderful thing it is when families realize the power they have for the sanctification of husband and wife and the reciprocal influence between parents and children. And then, by the loving witness of their lives, families can bring Christ's Gospel to others. A vivid realization of the sharing of the laity - and especially the family - in the salvific mission of the Church is one of the greatest legacies of the Second Vatican Council. We can never thank God enough for this gift.
He then encouraged them to uphold and defend the family in the United States:
It is up to us to keep this realization strong, by supporting and defending the family - each and every family. Our own ministry is so vital: to preach the world of God and to celebrate the Sacraments. It is from them that our people draw their strength and joy. Ours too is the role of encouraging families to fidelity to the law of God and the Church.
Bl. John Paul I wanted the US Bishops to defend the "indissolubility" of marriage in a spirit of charity:
In particular, the indissolubility of Christian marriage is important; although it is a difficult part of our message, we must proclaim it faithfully as part of God's word, part of the mystery of faith. At the same time we are close to our people in their problems and difficulties. They must always know that we love them.
There are many more beautiful and inspiring words about marriage and the family included in his short address.
It remains relevant in today's world, when marriage and the family are continually under attack by modern culture.
Bl. John Paul I saw the importance of the family, and although he wasn't able to continue his ministry as pope for much longer, he left a profound legacy that we can learn from.
