Summary of this Issue

July 25^th marked the 40^th anniversary of the landmark and controversial encyclical Humanae Vitae promulgated by Pope Paul VI. To mark this anniversary, insightful articles as well as statements by some Bishops were made. A link presenting new research from non-Catholic sources vindicating Humanae Vitae is also available. We should thank God for giving Paul VI the graces not to succumb to the “spirit of the time”, but to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit during that tumultuous period. Were he but listened to and better defended, the ensuing moral chaos would undoubtedly have been lessened considerably.

World Youth Day 2008. Now, after a week of joyful, unashamed religious sentiment Down Under, everyone knows that there is a viable alternative. God is back in the game. Links to articles, blogs, homily texts and videos of WYD08 are provided. It is evident that a powerful evangelizing spirit prevailed during that week.

The fallout from the Morgentaler OC award continues with more medals returned, and now the Knights of Columbus becoming involved. This award has in fact re-opened the abortion debate which some have thought long settled. Links to some of the more prominent articles are provided. Let’s keep the pressure on! A link provides you with postcards which you can print out and send to various authorities asking that this order be revoked.

There are two major upcoming events of note this Summer:

• On Monday August 11th there will be an exposition of sacred relics of the saints this time at St. Maurice Parish. This is the last time such an exposition will be available in Ottawa for the foreseeable future, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to deepen your faith.
• On Saturday August 23^rd “The Cry” takes place in Ottawa: a movement of young people that petitions heaven for His mercy and favour on Canada

The Eucharistic Congress took place just over a month ago. Links are available to help you profit from the many teachings given during this momentous week, and to relive some of the excitement.

New additions on the VM LighterSide:

• Las Vegas churches accept gambling chips
• Church mice

40th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae 
To read the Encyclical, click "HERE"

July 25th marked the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae (HV), the landmark encyclical reaffirming the Church’s position against artificial contraception. “When Pope Paul VI issued this document on July 25, 1968, it fell like a bomb. Many people wished the issue would just go away. It hasn’t. And it won’t. In fact, it can’t “go away.” This encyclical takes us to the very foundations of human life (humanae vitae).” (Christopher West)

To this day, there is probably no other Church document which provokes more derision, abusive language and insult towards the Catholic Church. Hence, it is incumbent particularly for Catholics, not only to have a clear appreciation of what the document says, but also to understand the reasons for which so many were (and still are) against it. This understanding will provide a good basis upon which one can defend this encyclical which we should be prepared to do (1Peter3:15-16). It is also important to recognize how HV ’s dire predictions of the consequences of widespread use of contraception have been more than vindicated in the subsequent 40 years, and this even from empirical evidence provided by secular or explicitly anti-Catholic research. Finally it is useful to view HV and contraception in light of John-Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

Click on this Link: http://www.stagustinemp3.org/HumanaeVitae.html

Smiles and Laughter Down Under - a diary of the events:
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/smiles_and_laughter_in_sydney/

Overview by Fr. Raymond De Souza:
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/catholic_stories/cs0300.htm

Catholic and Cool in Sydney:
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/catholic_and_cool_in_sydney/

Homily at Barangaroo, Sydney Harbour July 17th:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08071704.html

Closing Mass Homily and video clip:
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0897.htm

Official WYD08 Links: http://www.wyd2008.org/

Salt and Life Link: http://www.saltandlighttv.org/prog_special_wyd2008.html

EWTN link: http://www.ewtn.com/wyd2008/index2.asp