Humanae Vitae 50 Years Later

On July 25, 1968, Humanae Vitae was promulgated by Pope Paul VI.  It is a reiteration of God's timeless teachings regarding marriage, family, and the intrinsic evil of artificial conception.  As you read it, you might have trouble believing it was written 50 years ago, for it predicted great calamities that would befall society if contraception were ever accepted: abortion, degrading of women, rampant divorce, etc.  At that time these evils were not widespread; now they are rampant.

Even 50 years ago, progressives were beginning to insinuate themselves in the priesthood and eventually wormed their way into the Vatican.  When Humanae Vitae was promulgated, they pulled all stops in trying to railroad this encyclical to irrelevance.  To a degree they succeeded for one rarely hears the truths found in Humanae Vitae proclaimed from the pulpit.

That is why I was delighted to hear that Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler TX delivered the homily below and instructed his priests to read it during their masses this past Sunday, the Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist.  I pray that not only the Tyler diocese but all diocese across the Catholic world will proclaim this message far and wide.