Regardless of Cultural Opposition
MOSAIC, Summer 2008

Very Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey M. Monforton

"For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named . . ."

In the Letter to the Ephesians (3:14-15), St. Paul provides the ultimate qualifier for the human family: God is the source and summit of a family and notwithstanding, God is the one who makes a marital bond sacred.

The very integrity of our faith compels us to take a stand amid adversity, or even apathy, presented by the culture in which we live. As articulated in his encyclical letter Humanae Vitae, released in 1968, Pope Paul VI stated the truth that the Church is an integral contributor to the formation of a "truly human civilization" (HV 18). These very words impact all forms of human life, including the transmission of human life and the level of seriousness married people should invest in their marital roles.

Our faith instructs us that regardless of our Christian vocation, we collaborate with God the Creator both freely and responsibly, especially in the presence of questions and challenges posed by our society. In other words, in the midst of cultural fluidity our faith remains steadfast (HV 1).

We believe that married love is fully human and transcends "natural instinct or emotional drive" because married love embraces the free will of the married person (HV 9). We value our freedom and rightfully so. Wars have been fought and nations created in pursuit of freedom. However, as vocal proponents of freedom we must acknowledge freedom's consequences: responsibility and integrity.

These past four decades following the encyclical letter's promulgation have provided convincing evidence to the prophetic tone Pope Paul VI struck with Humanae Vitae. The Church possesses not just the authority to teach the moral law, but she has received a mandate to interpret and communicate the law with our brothers and sisters (Mt 28:18-19).

The latest edition of our journal, Mosaic, celebrates the fortieth anniversary of Humanae Vitae. The publication is proof positive that Sacred Heart Major Seminary, while affirming the good works of our human family in service to Jesus Christ, will not shy away from the challenges in which the instruction of our faith may meet cultural opposition.  

As we venture this "extraordinary" ordinary time together with our Lord, please know of my prayerful best wishes to you and all of your loved ones. I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Very Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey M. Monforton
Rector/President