WASHINGTON—In honor of the
50th Anniversary of Blessed Paul VI’s encyclical letter, Humanae Vitae (On the Regulation of Birth),
the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is making available a special
50th anniversary edition that includes reflections from succeeding
popes on the prophetic teaching that honors the spiritual and sensory elements
found in conjugal love.

Recognizing the fullness of
the marital union as total, faithful, and exclusive, the encyclical proclaims
the path of grace and true happiness for married couples under the abiding yoke
of Christ. Originally published in 1968, Blessed Paul VI’s letter promotes the
whole human person in the context of marital love that respects both the
spiritual and physical dimensions of man and woman. Considering
the human person as a whole, it also presents the practical social implications
if the document’s conclusions—based on the full respect of the totality of
persons—are ignored.

This 50th anniversary
edition includes the full encyclical, with excerpts from Blessed Paul VI’s
successors affirming the teachings of Humanae Vitae. Also included are
selections from the 1968 US Catholic bishops’ statement, Human
Life in Our Day.

The 50th anniversary edition of Humanae Vitae can be ordered online at https://store.usccb.org/humanae-vitae-50th-anniversary-edition-p/7-596.htm.

Additional books and resources pertaining to marriage and family life, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Vatican, ministry and more can be found by visiting the USCCB’s online bookstore at https://store.usccb.org/.
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Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB,
Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae (On the
Regulation of Birth), 50th Anniversary, Papal Encyclical,
conjugal love, marital union, artificial birth control, Human Life in Our Day

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Media Contacts:

Judy Keane

202-541-3200

Miguel Guilarte

202-541-3202

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops