Embracing the Beautiful Chaos of Family
We tell people we’re hoping for four kids, and suddenly, it’s like we announced we’re starting a soccer team. Friends with one or no kids just laugh and say, ‘No way! The factory is closed! No more for us!’ Even so, we’re like, ‘Oh yeah, we’re aiming for four kids.’ Their jaws drop—it’s like they’re waiting for a punchline!
The truth is, we see each kid as a crazy, wild, amazing blessing. Saint Josemaría Escrivá said it best, “Each child that God grants you is a divine blessing: do not fear children!” So yeah, we’re diving in, we’re embracing the madness; and honestly, in a world that sometimes seems like it’s got its priorities flipped upside-down, what could be better than investing in a big, loud, love-filled family? Four kids isn’t a factory—it’s a legacy! We’re making sure the love (and laughter) keeps going strong.
As a married couple blessed with two young children and, obviously, hoping for more, we often reflect on the teachings of our Catholic faith regarding family and the gift of life. In today’s culture, the idea of having a large family seems counter-cultural, even radical. Yet, our faith calls us to see children as a gift, each one loved and cherished by God. We hope to share the joy and beauty of a large family rooted in the Catholic understanding of why openness to life is a powerful act of love and trust in God.
The Magisterium of the Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a sacred bond, a vocation that reflects God’s creative and redemptive love. In Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI emphasized that marriage has two essential purposes: the unitive (the love and companionship between spouses) and the procreative (openness to new life). Having children is a way of living out both the natural and spiritual dimensions of marriage. Each child we welcome is a reflection of God’s generous love, not just an addition to our busy life. They are our mission—gifts that deepen our love, stretch our patience, and unite us in purpose. Moreover, the Catholic Magisterium calls us to rely, not solely on our own plans, but to be open to God’s will. In Gaudium et Spes, Vatican II highlights the importance of responsible parenthood, but also calls us to welcome life with trust in God’s goodness. God knows what we need, so let’s trust Him.
As parents, this trust is not always easy. We understand that each additional child brings new financial, emotional, and logistical demands; but we also know that God has given us grace and strength, along with a community to support us. Having a larger family challenges us to grow in faith, humility, and reliance on God rather than on our own limited resources. We learn that love and sacrifice, when shared and lived fully, deepen our joy and strengthen our family bonds.
Scripture speaks directly to the beauty of children. Psalm 127 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” (Psalm 127:3-5) Children are part of our inheritance from God, and each one adds to the richness of our family and our community.
When we imagine our future family, we see more than just numbers. We see relationships… we see siblings who will encourage each other in faith, learn from one another, and support each other throughout life… children who will witness and experience the value of service, responsibility, and teamwork. In our experience, children bring new energy and joy into our home, making it a lively place filled with laughter, play, and spontaneous moments of wonder. As Rosa Pich, mother of 18 children, would say, “In large families, joys are multiplied and sorrows are shared.”
Of course, raising children is not always easy; that’s mainly, because there is no instruction manual to follow nor an undergraduate degree or internship where you can get some experience beforehand. There are sleepless nights, financial challenges, and endless messes, but these sacrifices are part of the joy of family life. We believe that God gives us the grace to handle each moment, no matter how difficult, because each moment is part of our calling to be saints.
We invite others to consider this call to openness with faith and courage. Children are not obstacles; they are blessings that deepen our love, shape our character, and bring us closer to God, for He lives in our family. We welcome each child with open arms and hearts, trusting in God’s wisdom and love to sustain us.
We entrust to the Holy Family of Nazareth, the fruits of our family, which are our children – those who are here today and those who are to come.
Juan and Sofia were born into Catholic families in Colombia, South America. They met on Juan’s Patron Saint Feast Day, Saint John Bosco, January 31st and recently got married on the 31st of July. Both have encountered Jesus in their lives and decided to follow him with great commitment.
Juan is a Political Scientist and also a great golfer. He works in the Wine and Spirits Industry.
Sofia is a commercial real estate lawyer and works at her family-owned business. They currently live in Cali, Colombia.
Juan and Sofia are increasingly passionate about the apostolic mission with the youth and young professionals. They are committed to showing the love of God and his mysteries through the beauty of the sacrament of marriage and friendship. Both have lived their conversion through different spiritualities within the Church, such as the charismatic renewal, parish groups (Emaus and Effeta), Mana (a self-founded apostolic group) and Opus Dei. This last one is currently where both congregate and receive all their spiritual formation and guidance. Although they have much to learn, they are eager to share their testimony with all the readers.
