“You’ve come a long way, baby.”

If you’re old enough to remember this was a cigarette slogan, you know a lot has changed in forty years.
But, according to some, not enough has changed in the Catholic Church. They point to the work of Pope John Paul II suspiciously. He did not advocate ordaining women, nor did he re-jigger a single word of Humanae Vitae. Is it possible to promote the dignity of women without those changes?

In 1988, twenty years after Humanae Vitae upheld the Church’s prohibition on artificial contraception, Pope John Paul II wrote this little encyclical, “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women.” (Mulieris Dignitatem) He had been thinking and writing about married sexuality since at least the early 1940’s. We can assume he understood the depth of antipathy out there on the subject. Maybe that’s why he didn’t mention Humanae Vitae in this encyclical.

St. Teresa Benedicta, your hunger for truth and courageous example still inspires us. You spent your life humbly accomplishing great works, focusing your energy into the few minutes allowed for your intellectual work. Look upon your tired and needy sisters on this earth, and pray that we will receive the grace needed each day to make every minute of every day fruitful.

We ask your intercession for:_____________(mention your petition here).  We place all things upon the altar of God, not knowing how they will be used, and asking for the humility to receive God’s grace and to sacrifice willingly for the sake of the Kingdom where we yearn to join you in eternal peace. Amen.

 (click "Read more" to learn about this icon!)