This Wednesday, July 25, is the 50th anniversary of the issuance of the encyclical letter of Blessed Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life: On Regulation of Birth), a major event in that turbulent summer, and one that shook the Catholic world. The letter re-affirmed the Church’s teaching that artificial means of birth control are prohibited, as they rupture the essential link between the unitive and procreative ‘ends’ of human sexual intercourse. An insert in the July 22 Bulletin discusses the letter in greater detail. I encourage all to read the Pope’s letter, which many Catholics, sadly, never did, missing his strong words affirming the dignity of human sexuality in the service of love and life.
I will host a forum on Tuesday, July 31 at 7:30 PM in the Parish Center for any who wish to talk about the encyclical or the insert; all are welcome.
God love you!
Msgr. Tim Shugrue
Click here to read the Bulletin Insert on our parish website.
Click here to read the encyclical on the Vatican website.
Click here to read the US Bishops Conference pamphlet on Natural Family Planning
Click here to view a 10-minute video of Bishop Robert Barron speaking about Blessed Pope Paul VI’s Humanitae Vitae on the 50th Anniversary of its issuance.