Today marks exactly half a century since the publication of Humanae vitae, Bl. Paul VI’s prescient missive to the Church in response to the modern world’s views on sexuality and the human person. Reading it now through the warped lens of the 21st century’s concept of sex, it seems extraordinary that there was once a time the world was not arguing over the existence of multiple choice genders and contraception as a fundamental human right.

Progress, eh?

We bet you haven't thought of ALL of these ...

This year Pope Francis will canonize Blessed Paul VI in the 50th anniversary year of his encyclical Humanae Vitae, “on the regulation of birth.”

Canonization is the ultimate declaration that we should pay attention to someone’s life. Thus, we are given St. Paul VI in part, to reaffirm his teaching on openness to life.

At 50 years, it is clearer now than ever that we should be grateful for Humanae Vitae.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s deeply controversial encyclical letter “Humanae vitae.” But I would like to draw particular attention to a remarkable passage in this encyclical, namely section 17, in which Paul VI plays the prophet and lays out, clearly and succinctly, what he foresees as consequences of turning away from the Church’s classic teaching on sex.

....Christ came to earth and died on the cross, not so that we could avoid death and suffering, but so that he could transform the inevitability of death and suffering from the inside out. By communion with him, by participation in his cross, we could receive eternal life. 

Fr. Mike Schmitz, in this 6 min. video, talks on suffering as sharing in a "sliver of the cross".

How many times as a parent have we wished that we could alleviate our child’s suffering? Our
God-given nature to love and protect our child kicks in to high gear when he or she faces trials.

The valentine has become the universal symbol of friendship and affection shared each anniversary of the priest's execution -- St. Valentine's Day. Valentine has also become the patron of engaged couples.

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your request known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7. 

This Scripture passage became my life source. Plagued by anxiety, worry, or doubt I recited this passage and remembered to pray—lifting my burdens up, I was assured I would be filled with peace transcending human comprehension.

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song. Psalm 100:1-2

• Pray about where and how your family is called to serve. How can we best use the gifts and talents God has given us at this time in our life? We are not called to do everything – especially all at once. Look for opportunities that fit your family’s ages and talents.
• Adopt the attitude a pastor has with his brother priests . . . “Outdo one another in generosity.”
• Modeling service toward spouse and children is how we best teach. Our children will learn to serve by our witness of selfless service to our spouse, children and community and providing them with opportunities to do the same.

A true story told from the perspective of a birth Mother and adoptive Mother in the State of NH with appreciation from their daughter.

From the Birth Mom Putting my baby up for adoption was the most difficult decision of my life. I was young and irresponsible. I deeply regretted getting pregnant. Deep down I knew how important it was for a child to have good parents and a good upbringing. I knew I was not that person and my baby deserved better.

When the time came to give birth, I regret deeply that I chose to not see or hold my baby.

Adoption was simply a miracle of life for us. It allowed us to overcome infertility!

After realizing our family would not grow biologically, we investigated our options and chose to adopt. We had a negative image of adoption - bad press, a lengthy and bureaucratic time-line, the unforeseeable surprises and disappointments along the way. However, once we accepted these challenges and decided to jump in anyway, we began the count down to growing our family, God willing. 

Our decision to choose adoption over IVF was not a difficult one, in that we had discussed the issue prior to marriage, but it wasn’t without some significant questioning on our part.

Since before we first met each other, we both wanted to live our lives according to church teaching. As a couple who married in our mid/late 30’s, we were aware that there were no guarantees of successful pregnancies.

In sharing his thoughts on money and childrearing, Stan from Hawaii said philosophically, “It is more important to have a high level of living than a high standard of living.” Marilyn from Oregon agreed. “Buying things is no substitute for time and love. Kids can’t be fooled. They would much rather have us attend their school program, for example, than miss it because we are working late so they can wear a designer label on their clothes.”

From the time I was in medical school I have always been fascinated with family medicine and obstetrics. My mother worked as a nurse mid-wife for many years and maybe this kindled this interest in me. I was also very fortunate to get good formation and spiritual direction during my medical school. This made it clear to me how I should live and practice my profession, always trying to live unity of life.

I look back over the last 46 plus years and wonder, "What in Heaven's name made us think our marriage would work?" It had to be the miracle of grace! We were (and are) as different as day and night; one from the city, one from the country; one grounded in science and what the eye could see, one in philosophy and things beyond sight. Certainly our parents were hesitant and baffled.