Promulgated by Pope Paul VI on July 25, 1968; in response to questions concerning the practice of the sexual act within marriage, sterilization, and contraception.  Which of course became questions that pertained not just to married couples, but to the whole World.

To say that his encyclical was met with resistance would be inadequate language.  It was, in truth, met with downright hostility, and not just from the world but from priests, religious, and the lay faithful.

Why?  The answer to this question truly can be observed in our society as it is present today.  There was an agenda in the world that desired moral disintegration, for whatever value, of the dignity of the human person.  Considering we’ve brutally murdered over 50.5 million babies all over the world; considering that many countries – including our own – have legalized suicide disguising it as “mercy killing”; considering that it is rapidly becoming “okay” to kill the aged and infirm because their lives are seen as “no longer valuable”; it is clear that agenda has succeeded!

This document, written 40 years ago (this year, 2008), is not only timely and applicable to today, but also frighteningly prophetic as it describes the consequences “to a tee” that all of humanity would suffer if the road taken with contraception was to continued to be followed.  The reading is not easy, because it speaks the TRUTH of our actions, and ALL OF US are culpable.  However, it does allow for enlightenment, encouragement, and the seeking of forgiveness from a merciful God for our poor choices and destructive actions.

Seek Him in all things.  Receive His Love and mercy.  Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand! (Mt 5:17)

Humanae Vitae:
All Life is Sacred:Part I
Why Humanae Vitae?
The Meat of Humanae Vitae
Characteristic Marks and Demands of Conjugal Love
The Marriage Act: what is it and why does it demand our respect?
Illicit Ways of Regulating Birth
What Can We Do?
Conclusion…