Fifth grade Quote by Pope John Paul I
““The other day a little girl in the fifth grade put me in an awkward spot by stating: 'Is it fair that Jesus created seven sacraments and only six of them are available to women?' She was referring, obviously, to Holy Orders to which -- according to eternal tradition -- only males are admitted. What could I answer? After looking around, I said: "In this classroom I see boys and girls. You boys can ask: 'Is anyone among the males of the world the father of Jesus?' The boys' answer: 'No, because Saint Joseph was only the putative father.' But you girls" -- I went on -- "can ask: 'Was one of us women the mother of Jesus?' And the answer is: 'Yes.'" Then I said: "You are right, but think this over. If no woman can be pope or bishop or priest, this is compensated for a thousand times over by the divine maternity, which honors exceptionally both woman and motherhood." My little protester seemed convinced.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Address to Youth, 1995
Faith can be explained through relatable analogies, showing women's spiritual value despite institutional limits.
In simple terms: Use simple questions to illustrate deeper truths.
Explain complex ideas with everyday examples.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- classroom discussions
- interfaith talks
- gender equality debates
- religious education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can analogies respect doctrinal depth?
- What other analogies clarify faith?
May oversimplify nuanced doctrines.