Three Magic Words for Families

Sometimes we take for granted the people who are most important to us.

And sometimes we forget some of the most simple but important ways to treat people.

But fortunately, we have Pope Francis to help us remember, including his repeated lesson on “please, thank you and sorry,” three “magic words,” “three essential words!” important for every marriage and family, he said in talks in 2013 and 2014.

“We say please so as not to be forceful in family life: ‘May I please do this? Would you be happy if I did this?’ We do this with a language that seeks agreement.

“We say thank you, thank you for love! But be honest with me, how many times do you say thank you to your wife, and you to your husband? How many days go by without uttering this word, thanks?

“And the last word: sorry. We all make mistakes, and on occasion someone gets offended in the marriage, in the family, and sometimes – I say – plates are smashed, harsh words are spoken. But please listen to my advice: don’t ever let the sun set without reconciling. Peace is made each day in the family: ‘Please forgive me,’ and then you start over.

“… Please, thank you and sorry. Let us say these words in our families!”


Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.