Happy Humanae Vitae Day

Thirty nine years ago today Pope Paul VI promulgated Humanae Vitae, one of the most prophetic magisterial documents in recent history. In terms of impact on my life, it is second only to John Paul IIs Evangelium Vitae, although some of that may have more to do with which one I read first.

Priests for Life has announced a year of preparation for the fortieth anniversary of Humanae Vitae. They intend to "call attention to this special anniversary, and to the wisdom and insight of this important document." May all our pastors, deacons and all who work in the House of the Lord use the resources provided to strengthen the Culture of Life.

Let us never forget "how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards (#17)" and "that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection. (#17)" We bear the marks of these wounds in our persons and our society even to this very day.

Tags: Catholic, Pro-Life, Paul VI, John Paul II, Abortion