The decision about the number of children

and the sacrifices to be made for them
must not be taken
only with a view to adding comfort
and preserving a peaceful existence.

"Reflecting upon this matter before God,
with the graces drawn from the Sacrament,
and guided by the teaching of the Church,
parents will remind themselves
that it is certainly less serious
to deny their children certain comforts
or material advantages
than to deprive them
of the presence of brothers and sisters
who could help them to grow in humanity
and to realize the beauty of life
at all ages and in all its variety.

John Paul II, homily during Mass in the Mall
Washington, D.C., USA -- October 7, 1979

(A tip of the hat to Joshua LeBlanc)