Don, This article is multi-layered and examines Humanae Vitae with a fine-toothed comb. I was part of a men's group back in the early '90s who studied Casti Connubii and I have to agree that it is much more thorough than Humanae Vitae. However, I don't believe the lack of thoroughness on Pope Paul VI's part played a material role in its rejection by Catholic couples. First, it was published 8 years after the introduction of the pill which quickly gained huge popularity. Second, the media's focus on rebellious theologians like Charles Curran played into the hands of those pushing for disobedience. Finally, most Catholic couples failed to take the time to thoroughly discern the issue. For the most part, they went to confession and asked their confessor, who in turn often led them astray. Even my wife was given the "follow your conscience" line by a priest in the mid-80s and that had been going on for 15 years! So the Free Republic article is an eye-opener and exposes a drift toward mediocrity, but really, I don't think we need to lambast Paul VI on this issue. I remember a Protestant magazine, Citizen Magazine marveled at how Paul VI seemed to stand alone in holding onto the Tradition of the Church. In this we too should honor him! O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
I agree with you! Why did Pope Leo XIII compose the prayer to St. Michael? Exactly 33 years to the day prior to the miracle of the sun, on October 13, 1884, Pope Leo XIII had a vision. Here follows an account of that vision: According to the most widely accepted version of what happened, On October 13, 1884, after Pope Leo XIII had finished celebrating Mass in the Vatican Chapel, attended by a few Cardinals and members of the Vatican staff, he suddenly stopped at the foot of the altar. He stood there for about 10 minutes, as if in a trance, his face ashen white. Then, going immediately from the Chapel to his office, he composed the prayer to St. Michael, with instructions it be said after all Low Masses everywhere. When asked what had happened, he explained that, as he was about to leave the foot of the altar, he suddenly heard voices - two voices, one kind and gentle, the other guttural and harsh. They seemed to come from near the tabernacle. As he listened, he heard the following conversation: The guttural voice, the voice of Satan in his pride, boasting to Our Lord: "I can destroy your Church" The gentle voice of Our Lord: "You can? Then go ahead and do so." Satan: "To do so, I need more time and more power." Our Lord: "How much time? How much power? Satan: "75 to 100 years, and a greater power over those who will give themselves over to my service." Our Lord: "You have the time, you will have the power. Do with them what you will." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pope Leo responded well to write to warn us about Freemasonry as often as he did. He is a hero pope in my opinion. I lament all the time I have spent following politics, I could have been praying instead.
This also explains the chastisements we have been experiencing in the Church. This has been foretold. There is a thread on this forum posted by Lynnfiat in which Fr Scanlon posits that the 100 years are up this October 13.
Speaking for myself, I would never say that the Holy Spirit 'has abandoned the Church and God's people', and I can honestly say that I've not insinuated such through innuendo or default. I would quickly resist anyone who accused any Person of the Holy Trinity of such a betrayal. Apart from its ontological impossibility, the evidence, to me, clearly indicates that it is that many in the Church and of her people have abandoned the Holy Spirit. I did so myself for many years and was grateful to discover that Christ was where He always was when I decided to return. It is understandable that many of us go OTT when we discuss the course of the Church since the '60's. I think it is undeniable that She has taken a very rocky course and it is difficult not to be upset by it. I did not mean to imply that the unitive aspect of marriage is in some way invalid. Indeed, one consolation in all this mess is the wonderful explanation by St Pope John Paul of the gift of unitive, physical love that is the privilege of spouses. And he was not the first. St Alphosus Liguri, for example, has written much on the perfectly licit joys of valid marital relations. What I meant to say is that it was a poor tactic to give this unitive aspect of marriage equal billing with the child-bearing one in the particular matter of arguing against contraception. The warning by Father Jaki about ignoring the powers of darkness is key. Humans, when given an inch often take a mile. The unitive aspect of marriage has been exploited and abused by being rationalised as a justification for not only contraception, but also various forms of unnatural quasi-love. I likewise don't interpret the author of this document as in any way denigrating the unitive aspect of marriage. He refers to Germain Grisez as one authority. Now, Grisez is extremely strict on all non-marital or contraceptive sex, but on non-contraceptive marital sex, well maybe you should read him yourself! He positively celebrates it and is certainly not a puritan or a kill-joy; just adamant that only married couples open to life are privileged with this joy; and that was the core of John Paul's teaching. The author makes the point that in the particular case of contraception, the Pius XII view that the primary role of marriage as being the begetting of children was tactically the best approach. The equal billing of the unitive aspect, which might be perfectly valid in other approaches to talking of marriage, was not helpful when applied to this singular issue. After all, contraception is specifically and negatively focussed on the childbearing role of marriage. It is an issue that everywhere has proved divisive, rather than unitive. I hope I have made myself a little less unclear!
Aye, we're holding Pope Paul to a very high standard. In fact, he set it himself in his lone, brave stand. As you so lucidly point out, it is a combination of hesitancy and technical documentary inadequacy that bears criticism, not the character of the man himself. Ultimately, he was just a human being, albeit a good one doing his best. But any man's best efforts are generally pathetic in the face of the opposition warned of by Father Jaki. That's why we're at nothing without God. The consequentialism referred to in the document does indicate a flaw in the approach taken by Humanae vitae, but it is not a lost cause. Many are beginning to realise the prophetical nature of Hv and in consequence are realising the truths of the encyclical as a whole. Sexual morality for slow learners, perhaps?
Yes, thank you. I agree with you that the unitive aspect of marital sex has been exploited. I am old enough to have grown up as a child with Pope Pius XII, but I was not Catholic then. I actually made my First Holy Communion in the weeks between the death of Pope John XIII and the papal election of Pope Paul VI, when I was 15. I also agree with your statement that many people have abandoned the Church. The reasons for that are legion. It has also been foretold. We must go through the walk to Calvary with Our Lord. I believe the time to hold this back is long past. By the way, and AED can probably attest to this, there were prayer cards in the pew and we prayed at every Mass that God would bless the Ecumenical Council.
I heard this saying recently and it makes sense to me: God answers prayer one of two ways: yes, or, I have a better plan. It appears to me we are going through “I have a better plan” in many ways. “My ways are not your ways” saith The Lord.
Your last words "I should have been praying instead" really resonate with me. A confirmation of sorts.
Yep. A lot of prayer going up during those days and a lot of joy and expectation. Alas. The enemy was lying in wait. Had Our Lady's requests been fulfilled so much sorrow and savagery and loss could have been avoided but our spiritual leaders "knew better" and here we are.
That is exactly the point, thank you. “Had Our Lady’s requests been fulfilled” So we got what we deserved.
This event occurred a month ago also so I am not certain how unique it is or if it is a sign or not but I thought for those who live in Maine or Canada or maybe even in Michigan that they may be able to catch a glimpse of this event. Earth enters a stream of fast-moving solar wind, G2 - Moderate Geomagnetic Storm Watch in effect Posted by Teo Blašković on August 31, 2019 at 07:01 UTC (9 hours ago) | https://watchers.news/2019/08/31/g2-moderate-geomagnetic-storm-watch-in-effect/ Categories: Featured articles, Solar activity Our planet has entered a stream of fast-moving solar wind flowing from a large positive polarity coronal hole. A G1 - Minor Geomagnetic Storm Watch is in effect for August 31 and G2 - Moderate for September 1. Solar wind parameters reflected a slow regime through midday, August 30. Just after 12:00 UTC, a solar sector boundary crossing was observed, with phi angle rotating into a positive orientation. Simultaneously, total field strength increased from 5 nT to 12 nT, the Bz component deflected from 2 nT to -3 nT, and solar wind speeds increased from around 380 km/s to near 430 km/s. Wind speeds continued to increase and reached a peak speed of 600 km/s by 00:30 UTC today, and the Bz component saw a maximum southward deflection to -8 nT. These enhanced parameters indicated an early arrival of the anticipated CIR in advance of the positive polarity Coronal Hole High Spead Stream CH HSS. Solar wind parameters are expected to reflect continued enhanced levels on August 31 - September 1. Solar wind speed is expected to reach upwards of 650 km/s based on STEREO-A PLASTIC data, and continue into September 1. Conditions are expected to remain slightly elevated on September 2, but begin a gradual decrease by the end of September 3. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at unsettled to active levels, with isolated G1 - Minor storm conditions likely on August 31, due to CH HSS onset. CH HSS influence is expected to persist through the beginning of September 1, with periods of G1 to G2 (Minor to Moderate) storm conditions likely early in the period. Late on September 2, conditions are expected to taper off as CH HSS effects begin to wane. Geomagnetic K-index of 5 (G1 - Minor geomagnetic storm) threshold was reached at 05:46 UTC. Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05 Serial Number: 1272 Issue Time: 2019 Aug 31 0549 UTC ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 Threshold Reached: 2019 Aug 31 0546 UTC Synoptic Period: 0300-0600 UTC Active Warning: Yes NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur. Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible. Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine. "The last time this stream hit Earth's magnetic field, almost a month ago, auroras were observed in multiple northern-tier US states. It could happen again this weekend," said Dr. Tony Phillips of SpaceWeather.com.
I can't remember the last time that I heard protests occurring during a pride parade but... 'Straight Pride' Parade Draws Marchers, Protesters A "straight pride" parade and counter-demonstration went off in Boston Saturday without any major conflicts between the two groups. By Associated Press, Wire Service Content | Aug. 31, 2019 | https://news.yahoo.com/pro-trump-straight-pride-counter-protesters-face-off-181429367.html Peter Brown, center left, and Mark Hutt, center right, who said they are engaged to be married, hold hands as they march with others in the Straight Pride Parade in Boston, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) The Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — A "straight pride" parade and counter-demonstration went off in Boston Saturday without any major conflicts reported between the two groups. An organization calling itself Super Happy Fun America announced the parade as Boston celebrated LGBTQ Pride Month earlier this summer, saying it believes straight people are an oppressed majority. Counter-demonstrators accused those organizers of promoting an atmosphere of violence toward the LGBTQ community. The parade, with marchers carrying signs such as "2020 Trump" and "Build The Wall," moved from Copley Plaza, through major downtown streets before ending with a rally at City Hall Plaza, where the crowd and speakers were outnumbered by those protesting them from behind barricades. Several arguments and minor fights were reported on the parade route and police made over 30 arrests, but did not report any major confrontations. Four officers suffered minor injuries during the parade. *** The major conflicts appear to have come after the parade between the protesters and the police... ... But after the "Straight Pride" group had dispersed, the counter-protesters accused police of protecting "Nazis," chanted "shame on you" and formed a human chain which police tried to get through, an AFP photographer said. Officers fired pepper spray and made several arrests. ... https://news.yahoo.com/pro-trump-straight-pride-counter-protesters-face-off-181429367.html *** 29 August 2019 No ‘gay gene’: Massive study homes in on genetic basis of human sexuality Nearly half a million genomes reveal five DNA markers associated with sexual behaviour — but none with the power to predict the sexuality of an individual. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02585-6
I wonder how long it will take before some group comes forward and blames the lack of consistency on the gay gene theory on repressed homosexuality one of the crowd favorites back in the 80-90's.
I thought that it would be Islam that would polarize the west but it turns out it is the religion of sodomy and it's agenda.
I found it "interesting" (NOT!) that the photo they used to illustrate the "Straight Pride March" was of a gay couple holding hands marching in the parade. And if protesters day "straights are not oppressed", show them the annotated video of the Scottish student who was taken out of class and dragged over the coals by his teacher because the student kept insisting that there were only 2 genders. The student videoed the confrontation and released it where it went viral; subsequently the student was expelled for being "disruptive". I recommend the annotated video, where someone showed how what the teacher was saying matched strongly, if not word-for-word, with movie version of "1984". (Interesting note: I highly recommend that version of the book because the film was shot [IIRC] during Feb. and March of 1984, then edited and released during that year.) Finally, I'd like to compare the reports of the counter-protesters after the march dispersed with the reports on clashes between the Women's Capital Pride Parade 2017 and police (the day after Trump's inauguration) with the police reactions during the March for Life that took place one week later. In one, the police were being abused. It was a time they all feared that this very angry group that proclaimed how they were non-violent and peaceful would turn violent. In the other, the police were smiling as they directed a well-behaved and appreciative crowd who were practicing what they preached.
Yeah the MSM loves to frame the debate with their antics don't they? The video of that kid made me happy, it is good to see that some young people are willing to stand up for what is right while remaining calm and collected. It's amazing that the teacher chose to use the governments stance on the issue as if because it comes from the authority of the secular state it is without error. The thing is the MSM will never frame the narrative fairly because it has an agenda and that is to destroy any semblance of Christian morals or beliefs if at all possible and if not then to demonize and vilify those who take them to task as racists and bigots. Remember, anytime you are interviewed the MSM is under no obligation to use what you say in the way that you articulate it unless you can legally bind them to it. They will deliberately cut and splice your comments to fit their agenda no matter how it portrays you.
