50 YEARS AGO Blessed Paul VI prophesied to the world that marriages and the society would suffer if the use of contraception became widespread. He said that infidelity, moral decline, loss of respect for women and abuse of power by governments would increase exponentially.
Today, the vast majority of women in the western world use some form of contraception. In developing countries, the West engages in oppressive financial and political pressure to comply with abortion on demand, contraception, sterilization and more.
This conference will highlight the fulfillment of these prophecies in the world today and offer a reflection as to how selflessness, love, self – mastery and moral responsibility can reverse this trend.
Speakers include:
- Dr. Janet Smith, professor of moral theology at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan.
- Mary Rice Hasson, a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
- Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J., professor of philosophy and theology, and a member of the National Ethics Committee of the Catholic Medical Association.
- Angela Lanfranchi, M.D. is an American breast cancer surgeon. She a co-founder and current president of the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute.
- Vicki Thorn is an international speaker and author on the topics of abortion’s aftermath in women and men, the Biochemistry of Sex and the Biology of the Theology of the Body.
- The Sisters of Life work to build a new and lasting culture of life and civilization of love.
REGISTRATION FEE: Individual $125 – Couple $200
Attn: Archdiocesan Elementary Teachers and Catechists
One elective or annual credit is granted to those who attend the entire day.
HUMANAE VITAE
Consequences of Artificial Methods
17. Responsible men can become more deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrine laid down by the Church on this issue if they reflect on the consequences of methods and plans for artificial birth control. Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards. Not much experience is needed to be fully aware of human weakness and to understand that human beings—and especially the young, who are so exposed to temptation—need incentives to keep the moral law, and it is an evil thing to make it easy for them to break that law. Another effect that gives cause for alarm is 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.
Finally, careful consideration should be given to the danger of this power passing into the hands of those public authorities who care little for the precepts of the moral law. Who will blame a government which in its attempt to resolve the problems affecting an entire country resorts to the same measures as are regarded as lawful by married people in the solution of a particular family difficulty? Who will prevent public authorities from favoring those contraceptive methods which they consider more effective? Should they regard this as necessary, they may even impose their use on everyone. It could well happen, therefore, that when people, either individually or in family or social life, experience the inherent difficulties of the divine law and are determined to avoid them, they may give into the hands of public authorities the power to intervene in the most personal and intimate responsibility of husband and wife.
This event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Life and Family &The Knights of Columbus
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Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
In Southeast Penna: Call the Community Women's Center at 215-826-8090
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available. Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.
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