Bonum prolis w małżeństwie katolickim: obowiązki rodzicielskie w perspektywie teologicznej i kanonicznej

Abstract

The article presents the significance of bonum prolis in Catholic marriage, analysing its theological foundations as well as parental duties and the upbringing of children in the light of canon law. It emphasises that the good of off spring is one of the key goods of marriage alongside the good of the spouses and is inextricably linked to the procreative dimension of the sacramental union. The paper discusses the obligations of parents arising from the canon and civil law, highlighting their inalienable right and duty to educate their children physically, morally, and religiously. Special attention is given to the religious formation of children – including the sacraments, catechesis, and the signifi cance of parents’ Christian testimony – as well as contemporary challenges in upbringing and the role of the pastoral care for families. The author underscores that bonum prolis is integrally connected to the nature and purpose of the Catholic marriage, and that the responsibility for procreation and raising children constitutes a vocation with both natural and supernatural dimensions, the proper fulfi llment of which promotes not only the good of the off spring but also the stability and growth of the marital community.