Bishop Juan Ruben Martinez of Posadas, Argentina recently lamented the “unusual” contempt for maternity expressed by many authority figures.

The bishop’s words came in a message for Mother’s Day in Argentina, celebrated Oct. 16.
 
In those environments associated with positions of authority, he explained, “(w)e can see an unusual scorn for maternity, which is seen as a problem and not as a gift of God and a value of life.

“It is a sign of our times that harms human dignity itself.”
 
“Today we wish to celebrate motherhood and the family, the marvelous capacity God has given man and woman to procreate, and the gift of being a mother always dignifies a woman. We want to pray for our mothers, for those who are still with us and those who have already departed to God the Father’s house,” he said.
 
Bishop Martinez explained that certain “supposedly progressive” sectors are influenced by international capitalist organizations that seek to turn the law against women and the rights of the unborn.
 
After noting that the Church in Argentina is celebrating the Year of Life in 2011, Bishop Martinez stressed that life is a wonderful gift from God.
 
“As bishop I encourage everyone to assume responsibility and leadership. As Christians and citizens we must take on these vital issues in order to create a culture with an outlook of hope,” he said.