Family-friendly policies

Archbishop Mgr Joseph Mercieca's exhortation to mothers to give top priority to their young children appears to have been interpreted (May 23) as if Mgr Mercieca does not understand and appreciate the situation of mothers who have to work outside their homes because they have no option. This is not the case.

Mothers who would like to dedicate themselves primarily to their children but cannot do so because they have to earn their own living or for any other valid reason have all the Archbishop's understanding and solidarity. Mgr Mercieca also assures them of his prayers.

The Archbishop's concern is regarding those cases where mothers can afford to dedicate themselves first and foremost to their young children but perhaps do not value this choice well enough.

Naturally, emphasis on the mother's role should not overshadow the importance of the father's specific role because their roles are complementary.

In the meantime, the thrust of Mgr Mercieca's messages to the social partners as regards motherhood has always been that society should do the best possible to appreciate and really support the hard work women do in fulfilling their vocation as mothers, and in the gestation and upbringing of their children.

It is a question of family-friendly policies.