CSDC 231

The family founded on marriage is truly the sanctuary of life, “the place in which life — the gift of God — can be properly welcomed and protected against the many attacks to which it is exposed, and can develop in accordance with what constitutes authentic human growth”⁵¹⁵ John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Centesimus Annus, 39: AAS 83AAS — Acta Apostolicae Sedis (official gazette of the Holy See)Volume 83 (1991) at vatican.va — scanned PDF (1991), 842.. Its role in promoting and building the culture of life ⁵¹⁶ Cf. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae, 92: AAS 87AAS — Acta Apostolicae Sedis (official gazette of the Holy See)Volume 87 (1995) at vatican.va — scanned PDF (1995), 505-507. against “the possibility of a destructive ‘anti-civilization', as so many present trends and situations confirm”⁵¹⁷ John Paul II, Letter to Families Gratissimam Sane, 13: AAS 86AAS — Acta Apostolicae Sedis (official gazette of the Holy See)Volume 86 (1994) at vatican.va — scanned PDF (1994), 891., is decisive and irreplaceable. Christian families have then, in virtue of the sacrament received, a particular mission that makes them witnesses and proclaimers of the Gospel of life. This is a commitment which in society takes on the value of true and courageous prophecy. It is for this reason that “serving the Gospel of life ... means that the family, particularly through its membership in family associations, works to ensure that the laws and institutions of the State in no way violate the right to life, from conception to natural death, but rather protect and promote it”⁵¹⁸ John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae, 93: AAS 87AAS — Acta Apostolicae Sedis (official gazette of the Holy See)Volume 87 (1995) at vatican.va — scanned PDF (1995), 507-508..