Most men and women have an innate ability to care for children; women, generally speaking are nurturers, and men are providers and protectors. While it is the norm that most people marry and raise a family, there are people who have not been blessed with children of their own. Some are single who have yet to experience the joy of sharing their life with that one special person, chosen by God; others have lost their spouse to an unexpected death or abandonment; and others are married couples who despite their great desire for a family, remain childless for reasons unknown. People in all of these situations have a difficult cross to bear, however, God is good, and in seeing their sorrow gives them a special blessing – the gift of spiritual children.
People who possess a special love for children are spiritual parents by virtue of their love and generosity. God gives them the heart of a parent with the ability to love and care for the children He has placed in their lives: their nieces, nephews or cousins, their friends’ children, and for some teachers, their students. Those called to dedicate their lives to God in celibate vocations, in a very special way, become spiritual parents as well.
The role of the spiritual parent is not, (in most cases), to assume a major parental role, but rather to stand on the sidelines to love, support, and guide the children God has entrusted to their care with prayer and sacrifice. When God calls a man or woman to become a spiritual mother or father, He is blessing them with a special responsibility, the spiritual well being of another soul. The greatest gift we can give children is love; and the best way to love them is through prayer. Though distance may separate children from their spiritual parents, they will remain forever in their hearts.
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