Quote of the day...

"Suffering is the Nourishment that Strengthens Love"

~St. Maximilian Kolbe~

"Humanae Vitae": A Compelling Argument

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ZENIT, The world seen from Rome
News Agency
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Humanae Vitae: A Compelling Argument

Mormon Physician Comments on Paul VI's Encyclical

By Robert Conkling

ROME, SEPT. 25, 2008 (Zenit.org).- For a non-Catholic, Pope Paul VI's encyclical "Humanae Vitae" is not important because it is the Church speaking, but rather because it offers a compelling argument, says Mormon physician Dr. Joe Stanford.Stanford, a family physician and a researcher in the Creighton Model FertilityCare system and NaPro Technology, was a speaker at the 27th annual meeting of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals, held this summer in Rome.

Stanford, a professor in the department of family and preventive medicine at the University of Utah, spoke to ZENIT about his take on "Humanae Vitae," as well as the role faith plays in his medical practice.

Q: Have you read "Humanae Vitae"?

Stanford: Yes. I first read "Humanae Vitae" in 1991 and several times since then. I think it is an inspired document. I think it captures fundamental aspects of human nature. He [Pope Paul VI] really hits the nail on the head regarding the dark side of contraception, sterilization and abortion and their effects on society.

Although I do not think divorce, promiscuity, teen pregnancy are exclusively the result of contraception, I also think these are not unrelated to contraception. I think contraception is a heavy part of the fuel behind the sexual revolution and many of the problems in society we are facing.

I think "Humanae Vitae" is basically a prophetic statement.

Q: If more physicians read "Humanae Vitae," do you think their approach to women or the problems married couples face might be different?

Stanford: Yes, but a qualified yes. I think you have to read "Humanae Vitae" with an open mind, which really means with an open heart. You have to be willing to really consider what Pope Paul VI says and not just judge it. In medical training, the culture is so steeped with acceptance of standard medical practices, that to question it is very difficult. And I do not mean just difficult from a peer pressure point of view, although that is part of the difficulty. But it is difficult to even come around to a different way of thinking when you have always been immersed in one way of thinking.

I am not Catholic, so for me it was not an issue of reading the document because it was the Church speaking. It became an issue because many of the Catholic physicians I have come to know and respect -- [Dr.] Tom Hilgers being one of them -- and who have become moral mentors for me in medicine -- told me "Humanae Vitae" was a moral guide in their life. So I wanted to know what the document said and what it means.

So, for me it was not an ecclesiastically binding document. If you are not Catholic, you might be inclined to think "this is for Catholics." Having said that, if you really consider "Humanae Vitae" on its own merits, I think Pope Paul VI really does make a compelling argument that can penetrate the heart and can make a difference.

Q: Is it fair to say then that faith plays a part in how you practice medicine?

Stanford: It definitely does. It is how I see people. I see patients as children of God. That is my faith. And I see my duty to them to be the best, most compassionate and skilled physician I can be, while still respecting patients' views. Part of my faith, too, is to respect where patients' are coming from and not demand that they see things my way. Most of my patients now come to me because they want the perspective I provide.

That is a real joy. But I still see patients who do not share my views and come to me and we have to negotiate. I have to inform them where my moral boundaries are -- for example, that I will not prescribe oral contraceptives -- but without judging them. I respect their ability to make their own choices, but I have to tell them I have certain parameters and boundaries that I operate within.

So, yes, faith is integral to how I practice. It does not mean that I tell patients, "This is my faith and you have to see it my way." I inform them who I am and that this is the reason for what I do.

Q: There is a medical ethic in vogue today which, if followed, would have physicians believe they must check their faith at the door of their office, examining room or in their teaching. Is this a contradiction to who you then become as a physician?

Stanford: Absolutely. In the end it does not work. It is sort of a myth to say you can check who you are at the door of the examining room, to sort of become a sort of blank slate. Ultimately, you have some values. When I talk to colleagues about this they say I cannot impose my judgments on patients. In one sense I agree with that. But in another sense, it does not mean that I do whatever patients want.

An example I reply with is what if someone comes in and states, "Doctor, I need morphine and I want you to prescribe that to me." Of course you do not just do it, because there is an assessment required as to whether it is appropriate.

Usually when asked in that way one is predisposed to think it may not be appropriate and for good reason. It is no different with any other medicine. You have to make a judgment. The important distinction is that you are not judging the person or telling him or her what to believe.

As a physician we have to always decide what we think is in the patient's best interest, within the moral boundaries we set for ourselves, which we describe to patients.

In reality, every physician actually does that whether they acknowledge this or not. Unfortunately, some physicians relax those boundaries and compromise who they are. But they are still presenting somebody they really are in the examination room.

There is no such thing as a physician like a vending machine, because people do not walk in to see a doctor, press a button and out comes what they want. Physicians are professionals. You have boundaries and you have to define what those boundaries are and make judgments appropriately.

Q: You are a researcher with an interest in natural family planning, specifically focusing on the Creighton Model FertilityCare system and NaPro Technology. Is it unusual to have physicians like yourself challenging standard medical approaches to couples' reproductive potential?

Stanford: That is a very good question. I think to some extent it has always happened. There have always been free thinkers out there who are guided by their own moral compass and try to do what is right for the patient, for good medicine and for good moral medicine.

In some sense this is not new. What is different with respect to NFP, FertilityCare and NaPro Technology is an attempt to bring in the service of systematic science in an ethical-moral framework. That is a marriage I think makes sense. A lot of people may disagree. But I think it makes immanent sense.

What we are trying to develop is a cadre of practicing physicians and scientists who will actually do science within that ethical framework. To make sure that what we are doing is the best we can do and not just do what we have read in a journal or figured out ourselves and tried on some patients. We go that far but then we test it further with our colleagues and use data to evaluate whether what we are doing really is the best way. We then might ask is there another angle we have not thought of?

So, a systematic way allows for two tracks: One is getting many physicians together who are interested in this area of medicine and trying to make it work. That is relatively new, but not completely new. Other groups have done that. What is relatively unique is trying to make this as scientific and systematic as possible. We want to create science that is better than the mainstream medicine and science.

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Infertility Support

Dear Sisters,

Praised Jesus for your faithfulness to Holy Mother Church! I'm so very happy that you found our blog site and I pray that you found it helpful. I agree that it can be very difficult to find like minded groups out in the world, but as a body of believers within the Catholic Church I know the Lord has something for each of us or He is calling us toward something that will bless us as we seek comort we are also called to comfort, it all seems to be part of God's holy plan.

As you are seeking answers about an Infertility Support Group, I would suggest that you take time and pray before our Lord in adoration and then ask your pastor for guidance and direction.

The Apostolate of Hannah's Tears has been unfolding for many years we are available for intercession and we pray for all those who are in need with fertility issues. This ministry at this time is a contemplative ministry, my parish offers 4 Masses each season throughout the year for the intentions of Hannah's Tears. We also provide a prayer box beneath the Infant of Prague and the Chaplet of Hannah's Tears pamphlet. The Poor Clare Colettine Nuns in Wales have been great intercessors as well as the Mass that they have offered each year in honor of their patron St. Colette (this was our first year sending a list of people asking for prayers). Our other intercessors for Hannah's Tears are Carmelite Sisters, and secular Carmelites as well as many lay people. The power of prayer does great things most especially in front of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Our ministry has not yet formed into a day with meetingts but we allow God to set up the meetings in the present moment weather that be on email, after Mass, or sitting down for a cup of tea. We are all called to be listeners and imitate Simon of Cyrene as he helped Christ carry His cross we are also called to help when we are called.

Hannah's Tears is open to you helping us build our ministry of faith and hope but if you decide that you are seeking something more formal, please find below some resources that also may be of help to you as you seek God's Holy will:

Here are items I find very helpful.

"Bearing the Unbearable: Coping with Infertility and Other Profound Suffering"

by Karl A Schultz (this is a positively beautiful book)

http://womenofgrace.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=775

Barren and Blessed: The Plight of Infertility

with Dr. Kathleen Raviele, Karl Schultz, Kristin Tucker

http://womenofgrace.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=774

* "Begotten, Not Made" - Pastoral Care for Couples Experiencing Infertility

By Steve Bozza (couples manual and a pastors manual available)

http://www.familylifeinstitute.org/Products/Books/BNM%20series.htm

These manuals bring understanding to what is in a couple's heart, their sorrow, frustration hopes and dreams. It will provide a reflection on what is in the heart of the Church regarding human life and provide some practical counseling suggestions.

• Embracing the Cross of Infertility, Marie Meaney, PhD

Catholic Infertility and the Catechism of the Catholic Church

GENERAL AUDIENCES: JOHN PAUL II'S THEOLOGY OF THE BODY

NFP OUT REACH

Theology of the Body

http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p2s2c3a7.htm

1654 Spouses to whom God has not granted children can nevertheless have a conjugal life full of meaning, in both human and Christian terms. Their marriage can radiate a fruitfulness of charity, of hospitality, and of sacrifice.

NaPro Technology/Articles...

• Begotten Not Made: a Catholic View of Reproductive Technology, by John M. Haas, PhD., S.T.L.

• "Women Healed"

* Please read some of the following articles, they are by a Catholic married couple that truly knows the suffering of infertility. IVF is not the answer...

"Babies Deserve Better What You Need to Know If You're Struggling with Infertility"

By Jameson and Jennifer Taylor

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2006/0604fea3.asp

"The Gift of Infertility", by Jameson and Jennifer Taylor

Part 1: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1901155/posts

Part 2: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1901156/posts

Part 3: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1901157/posts

Part 4: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1901158/posts

These manuals bring understanding to what is in a couple's heart, their sorrow, frustration hopes and dreams. It will provide a reflection on what is in the heart of the Church regarding human life and provide some practical counseling suggestions.

This is a more formal group that has been around a while..Elizabeth Ministry International

http://www.elizabethministry.com/ .

Also, Catholic Fertility yahoo group: is a group of women that struggle with primary or secondary infertility you can easily join on line and have mail sent directly to you or use web mail. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/catholic-fertility/. They are a beautiful group of women, you can also find many beautiful Catholic bloggers across internet.

Welcome, and please feel free to write us anytime if you are in need of a prayer or desire infomation that you are unable to find. Maybe we can help you.

In Jesus through Mary,

Hannah's Tears

NaPro Technology of the America's

USA ~ Main Head quarters:

Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction
Creighton Model FertilityCare™ Allied Health Education Programs
Director: Thomas W. Hilgers, MD, CFCE, CFCMC
6901 Mercy Road
Omaha, NE 68106
education@popepaulvi.com
(402) 390-9168
(402) 390-9851 Fax

*Canada:

email us so we can put you in contact with the closest NaProTECHNOLOGY Medical Consultant.

Mexico:

Blessed Miguel Pro Education Program (Interim)
Director: Carlos Aldana, MD, CFCMC, CFCE
Bosque de Chapultepec 118
Col. Bosques del Parque
CP 37130 Leon, Gto. , Mexico
caldnfp@prodigy.net.mx
Phone: 52-47-73-35-04

*Prayer intentions: Please pray for the country of Canada that they may soon be filled with holy doctors knowledgeable about NaPro Technology.

Liturgy Reflection

Liturgy Reflection: Sunday, August 9, 2009 from JP Catholic University on Vimeo.

Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary begins today August 7th

Mary's Assumption

Novenas for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

from EWTN.com

(Novena 1)

Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, I rejoice that after years of heroic martyrdom on earth, you have at last been taken to the throne prepared for you in heaven by the Holy Trinity.

Lift my heart with you in the glory of your Assumption above the dreadful touch of sin and impurity. Teach me how small earth becomes when viewed from heaven. Make me realize that death is the triumphant gate through which I shall pass to your Son, and that someday my body shall rejoin my soul in the unending bliss of heaven.

From this earth, over which I tread as a pilgrim, I look to you for help. I ask for this favor: (Mention your request).

When my hour of death has come, lead me safely to the presence of Jesus to enjoy the vision of my God for all eternity together with you.

(Novena 2)

Majestic Queen of Heaven and Mistress of the Angels, you received from God the power and command to crush the head of Satan. Therefore, we humbly beg of you, send forth the legions of Heaven, that under your command they may seek out all evil spirits, engage them everywhere in battle, curb their pride, and hurl them back into the pit of hell. “Who is like unto God?”

With firm confidence we present ourselves before you, our most loving Mother, afflicted and troubled as we are, and we beg you to let us understand the love you have for us by granting this petition, if it is according to the Will of God and profitable for our salvation: (Mention your request).

Good and tender Mother, you shall ever be our hope and the object of our love. Mother of God, send forth the Holy Angels to defend us and drive far from us the cruel foe.

Holy Angels and Archangels, defend and keep us.

Servant of God María del Pilar Cimadevilla López-Dóriga

Pilina was inspired to offer up her own suffering in hope of helping others who were ill. We also pray that we may learn to offer up our own sufferings in hopes of helping those who are also suffering with the many crosses endured in the sacrament of matrimony. May we always draw near to Our Mother in Heaven who will always help us in our own sorrows.

Servant of God María del Pilar Cimadevilla López-Dóriga

Born: February 17,1952 in Madrid, Spain

Died: March 6, 1962 in Madrid, Spain of Hodgkin's lymphoma

Feast day: March 6

Liturgy reflection...

Sunday, August 2, 2009: Liturgy Reflection from JP Catholic University on Vimeo.

Sing up

more reflections from our dear Poor Clare Colettine Sisters from Wales... Thank you dear sisters for you prayerful and supportive words, they truly guide us through our days!

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On the Banks of the River of life, upon the eternal shore can you not hear the Angelus bell is resounding..... ringing in joy for those who have attained its shores....

Can you not hear Mary singing upon the banks of the river a Magnificat of joy!!!

Can you not hear the laughing waters of Redemption?

The wind of the Spirit of love blows!!! The sweet sweet tone of the bell rings out... proclaiming that through her YES we have received salvation........ join your song to hers....

Dante maintained that when a soul entered purgatory the bells rang and those already there welcomed those entering with a solemn Te Deum....

I think the Angelus bell rings, its sweet tones ascend from earth to heaven... sound once produced ever moves upwards and onwards...

There is no time in God, we lay aside specific times.... dedicating the day to God, to Mary..... but somewhere it is always 6am 12 noon or 6pm....

SING UP!!!! and Pray!

Pondering the miracles of the Eucharist...

The heart of Jesus is always with us...

(click here and watch the video)

Milagro Eucaristico Buenos Aires Argentina

Source: www.youtube.com

¡NO RECIBAS LA EUCARISTIA EN LA MANO! En Buenos Aires, Argentina se ha puesto de moda el recibir la Eucaristía en la mano (la obra sacrílega de satanás), y a una persona que recibió la eucaristía en la ...

Prayer of St. Faustina before the Eucharist

I adore You, Lord and Creator, hidden in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I adore You for all the works of Your hands, that reveal to me so much wisdom, goodness and mercy, O Lord. You have spread so much beauty over the earth and it tells me about Your beauty, even though these beautiful things are but a faint reflection of You, incomprehensible Beauty. And although You have hidden Yourself and concealed Your beauty, my eye, enlightened by faith, reaches You and my soul recognizes its Creator, its Highest Good, and my heart is completely immersed in prayer of adoration.

My Lord and Creator, Your goodness encourages me to converse with You. Your mercy abolishes the chasm which separates the Creator from the creature. To converse with You, O Lord, is the delight of my heart. In You I find everything that my heart could desire. Here You light illumines my mind, enabling it to know You more and more deeply. Here streams of graces flow down upon my heart. Here my soul draws eternal life. O my Lord and Creator, You alone, beyond all these gifts, give Your own self to me and unite Yourself intimately with Your miserable creature.

O Christ, let my greatest delight be to see You loved and Your praise and glory proclaimed, especially the honor of Your mercy. O Christ, let me glorify Your goodness and mercy to the last moment of my life, with every drop of my blood and every beat of my heart. Would that I be transformed into a hymn of adoration of You. When I find myself on my deathbed, may the last beat of my heart be a loving hymn glorifying Your unfathomable mercy. Amen.

Something to meditate upon...

Every problem, every pain, place in Our Lady's hands.

She will see that everything is taken care of

as she places them before Her Son.

Meditation on Our Lady

Source: www.youtube.com

A meditation of music and images on the Blessed Virgin Mary produced by the Mother of Mercy Messengers. The music is "Psalm 22" written and performed by Fr. Jim McKearney. Site for MOMM:http://thedivinemercy.org/momm/

Food for The Journey

Something a friend shared with me today, so I thought I would pass it along to you!

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If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you, and that He certainly intends to make you a saint. And if you wish to become a great saint, entreat Him yourself to give you much opportunity for suffering; for there is no wood better to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross, which Christ used for His own great sacrifice of boundless charity.

- St. Ignatius of Loyola (Priest, 1491-1556)

On earth, we are wayfarers, always on the go. This means that we have to keep on moving forward. Therefore be always unhappy about what you are if you want to reach what you are not. If you are pleased with what you are, you have stopped already. If you say; "It is enough," you are lost. Keep on walking, moving forward, trying for the goal. Don't try to stop on the way, or to go back, or to deviate from it.

- St. Augustine of Hippo, Bishop

It is important that you choose your career with care, so that you may really follow the vocation that God has destined for you. No day should pass without some prayer to this end. Often repeat with St. Paul: "Lord, what will you have me do?"

- St. John Bosco, Priest

Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful and indispensable means of overcoming attacks of the devil. Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against you.

- St. John Bosco

Those who are led by the Holy Spirit have true ideas. That is why there are so many ignorant people who know far more than the learned.

- St. John Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests

O Gentle Jesus, Saint James was one of Your first apostles, but he started out as a very impulsive, self-centered man. He dared to ask You for a place of honor in Your kingdom, and he wanted You to destroy the villages that had rejected You, but eventually he developed a true understanding of holiness. I ask him to pray that my humility grows stronger than my pride, that I submit my will to Your will, and that when I speak, my words reveal Your gentleness and love. Restrain me when I want to rush ahead, and give me a broader perspective when I'm seeing things through a narrow, limited view. Saint James, pray for me. Amen.

- A prayer for the Feast of Saint James, Apostle, from Terry Modica's book "Daily Prayers with the Saints for the New Millennium", Queenship Publishing; http://gnm.org/books.htm

Does your mind desire the strength to gain the mastery over your passions? Let it submit to a greater power, and it will conquer all beneath it. And peace will be in you -- true, sure, most ordered peace. What is that order? God as ruler of the mind; the mind as ruler of the body. Nothing could be more orderly.

- St. Augustine of Hippo, Bishop

When we have once placed ourselves entirely in the hands of God, we need fear no evil. If adversity comes, he knows how to turn it to our advantage by means which will in time be made clear to us.

- St. Vincent de Paul, Priest

St. Peter Chrysologus

Prayer, Fasting and Mercy - St. Peter Chrysologus

There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other. More....

Check out Heidi's Interview ~ Listen to Ave Maria Radio on-line

Heidi will be on “Kresta in the Afternoon” this afternoon, talking about St. Martha of Bethany, at 3:20 EST. You can listen on Ave Maria Radio — or on your computer by

clicking here!

Just in case this link breaks here's the dirrect link:

http://www.avemariaradio.net/christian-radio-host.php/Al-Kresta/

broken link fixed ~ Pain of Infertility Article..

I'm so sorry about the broken link, something had me go back and check over it. If you're still interested in the article please click the link below.

The Pain of Infertility:

http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/article/?article=268

article found on The Pain of Infertility

This is nothing new to most of you, but I thought I'd share this as it is on my heart as a friend of ours is going through surgery today... as I am sure there are many others in this world enduring similar surgeries today. Let us pray for all those in need and for God's holy will!

*The pain of infertility

Jane Williams shares her personal experience and feelings about infertility.

“There is a problem here. There’s a good chance you will have difficulty having children.”

*This article is also a good way to teach others that do not understand the cross of infertility.

Listen to Catholic Radio NOW

Listen to this now!!!! Great talk....

Food for the Journey & Fire on the Earth

10:00 - 10:30 am EST

http://www.avemariaradio.net/catholic-online-radio.php

NFP and the Poetry of the Body

NFP and the Poetry of the Body Source: tob.catholicexchange.com
hannahs.tears@gmail.com sent this using ShareThis.

Quotes to meditate on...

Adoration is such a wonderful place to go when you feel as if life is just out of control, physically mentally and spiritually. Just plain over-whelming! This is a place where peace comes to your soul without you even trying.

This is something I did today for myself but also for all of you. There was nothing that I brought with me except a heart open to the love of Christ filling me with His peace and healing love. I went feeling a bit unprepared, but something told me that all I needed was me and that He would take care of the rest. Our Lord provided everything that I needed ~ I found that I had a rosary, a new testament Bible, and a little book of meditations on St. Pio. I prayed the chaplet for all of your needs and then I was led to open this little book that I had and the words just leaped off of the page...

"Jesus let Padre Pio's heart hear a voice: "My son, the test of love is pain; you will feel it sharp in your spirit, and still more in your body."

As I was led to meditate upon this verse, I knew in my heart that this is not only St. Pio that Our Lord speaks to but all of us that are trying with grace to carry the cross that He has fashioned and made for each of us. It truly rings in my heart: "the test of love is pain" ... Somehow, I believe this is the Lord also speaking to all of us who are struggling with pain. It reminds me of the scripture that the slave is not greater than the master.

God bless and keep you... and please feel free to add your thoughts and feelings about this meditation.

Old article rediscovered

Here's an article from July 26, 2008. If you haven't read this before it's an interview with Marie Meaney and how she has learned to cope with the cross of infertility... Always a process each and every day.

Interview : Coping With Infertility