Respect for the dignity of the human person is the foundational principle of any just society. From a Catholic perspective, it also forms the foundation of all of our Church's social teachings.

We believe that marriage, by its very definition, can exist only between a man and a woman. Moreover, study after study - not to mention common sense - show that children fare better in life when raised in a home with a loving father and mother in a stable, committed relationship.

Our Catholic schools exist to help young people attain holiness in their lives, that is, to become saints.

The reality of marriage as the union of a mother and a father is grounded in our very biology.

Care for life and physical health, with due regard for the needs of others and the common good, is concomitant with respect for human dignity.

Certainly our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters need to be supported in living out their call to holiness.

In places where marriage's core meaning has been altered through legal action, officials are beginning to target for punishment those believers and churches that refuse to adapt.

I want to focus on the importance of supporting marriage. I always speak about the need to respect everyone's human dignity - regardless of their sexual orientation. I think strengthening marriage is something that benefits everyone.