Living a Culture of Life Podcast | Human Life International

On July 25, 1968, Pope St. Paul VI released the encyclical Humanae Vitae, or "of Human Life." This encyclical reaffirmed the Catholic Church's perennial teaching that contraception is always immoral. This encyclical sparked tremendous backlash, as many people expected the Catholic Church to allow the use of contraception. However, today, it's clear that Humanae Vitae was prophetic. The contraceptive mindset has led to many of the present evils in today's society. To celebrate the 56th anniversary of Humanae Vitae's release, we're unpacking this historic encyclical. On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet discusses the historical context of the encyclical, what it said, and why Catholic teaching on contraception is still key to understanding modern ethical issues. Listen now to find out how contraception impacted modern views on same sex "marriage," gender ideology, population control, and so much more! https://www.hli.org/offers/discover-why-contraception-always-leads-to-abortion

When women experience negative emotional and psychological effects after abortion, they’re often told to “get over it.” After all, society says that abortion isn’t a big deal. It’s just a choice in the woman’s past. However, this isn’t true at all. Abortion IS a big deal. It kills an innocent child. It’s understandable that women will experience a whole range of emotions, including grief, guilt, and self-loathing. Theresa Bonopartis knows this well. She had an abortion as a young woman, when she felt like she didn’t have a choice. For years, she suffered from the trauma of her abortion. Finally, through the grace of God, she experienced forgiveness and healing. Today, Theresa helps other post-abortive women experience this same healing. She founded Entering Canaan Ministry, which hosts retreats for people suffering after abortion. On this episode, Theresa Bonopartis shares her story of abortion and God’s Mercy. There is always hope. God longs to forgive us. Listen now to hear her inspirational story of abortion, regret, and the power of God’s forgiveness. Entering Canaan Ministry Website: https://www.enteringcanaan.com/ Entering Canaan, the Painting: https://www.enteringcanaan.com/about/our-lady-of-czestochowa/our-lady-of-czestochowa FREE E-book! Find out what Planned Parenthood is hiding: https://www.hli.org/offers/planned-parenthood

Two years ago, pro-life activists found 115 aborted babies inside a box of medical waste in Washington, DC. Five of these babies showed signs of illegal partial birth abortions or infanticide. Today, their five bodies are still on ice, waiting for justice. On this episode, AJ Hurley shares the story of these babies. He got to hold them after the box was opened. And now he's fighting for justice. Listen now to hear this incredibly moving story of Harriet, Christopher X, Phoenix, Angel, and Holly (as well as the other 110 babies). Justice for the 5 website: https://paaunow.org/justiceforthefive AJ Hurley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajhurley/

When someone is baptized, the Church requires that he or she has a Godparent (or a sponsor, if an adult is being baptized and confirmed). Often, Godparents are close friends or family members of the parents. Many people view the role of a Godparent as simply an honorary title. However, Godparents have a much deeper and richer relationship with the child. They have a particular obligation to help their Godchild grow in the Faith and get to Heaven. So, what exactly does the Catholic Church teach about Godparents? And what should you look for when choosing a Godparent for your child? If you are a Godparent, how can you best help the individuals entrusted to your care get to Heaven? On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet answers all these questions. He explains what the Catholic Church teachers about Godparents. And he offers advice for navigating tricky situations, such as when the parents of your Godchild don't practice the Faith anymore. Listen now to find out how to find (or be) an amazing Godparent! Help Global Pregnancy Centers Reach Women! (Give by July 31st! Limited matching gift opportunity). Send Your Gift Here: https://www.hli.org/ Living the Culture of Life

There's a marriage crisis in today's world. Far fewer young people are getting married and settling down to raise a family. Most people blame this crisis on hookup culture. Others say that young people are putting their careers ahead of marriage. But these aren't the only problems. More and more young people are struggling to navigating dating culture. They want to get married but can't seem to find someone. Rachel Hoover Canto tackles this problem in her new book, "Pretty Good Catholic." As a young woman, who was recently married, she knows the struggles that young men and women are facing. On today's episode, she shares her *actually helpful* tips for intentional dating. Get Rachel's book, Pretty Good Catholic: https://vianneyvocations.com/prettygoodcatholic/ FREE E-book! Find out what Planned Parenthood is hiding: https://www.hli.org/offers/planned-parenthood/

The key to reviving society is healing the family. After all, Catholic social doctrine has its origins in family life. So, what does that look like? Why is healing the family the solution to social issues? And how can we accomplish this? On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet explains why the family is the fundamental unity of society. If we want to uphold the life and dignity of the human person across all aspects of our culture, we need to begin with the family. Listen now to find out why supporting the family will help fix societal problems! Fr. Miller's Article: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/revitalizing-society-through-the-family-vision-of-john-paul-ii-10443 FREE E-book! Find out what Planned Parenthood is hiding: https://www.hli.org/offers/planned-parenthood/

Many men and women in today's world identify as LGBTQ+. Christians who want to defend God's plan for marriage sometimes don't know how to respond. How can we lovingly minister to friends or family members while still affirming truth? Christians must learn how to lovingly accompany individuals experiencing same-sex attraction. Fr. Colin Blatchford, Associate Director of Courage International, joins us for two episodes exploring this issue. In the first episode, we discussed Catholic anthropology (and why it's important). In this episode, we'll discuss what loving accompaniment practically looks like. Listen now to discover how YOU can best help your friends or family members who identify as LGBTQ+. Follow us on Instagram: @cultureoflife_podcast Follow us on X: @cultureoflife_p Courage International website: https://couragerc.org/\ National Catholic Bioethics Center article about Catholic responses to transgenderism (including using names vs. pronouns): https://www.ncbcenter.org/resources-and-statements-cms/summary-catholic-pastoral-and-canonical-responses-to-transgenderism FREE E-book! Find out what Planned Parenthood is hiding: https://www.hli.org/offers/planned-parenthood/

Many men and women in today's world identify as LGBTQ+. Christians who want to defend God's plan for marriage sometimes don't know how to respond. How can we lovingly minister to friends or family members while still affirming truth? Christians must learn how to lovingly accompany individuals experiencing same-sex attraction. Fr. Colin Blatchford, Associate Director of Courage International, joins us for two episodes exploring this issue. On today's episode, we'll talk about Catholic anthropology (and why it's important). In an upcoming second episode, we'll discuss what loving accompaniment practically looks like. Listen now to discover how YOU can best help your friends or family members who identify as LGBTQ+. Follow us on Instagram: @cultureoflife_podcast Follow us on X: @cultureoflife_p Courage International website: https://couragerc.org/

There's a crisis of marriage in modern culture, even within the Catholic Church. Marriage rates are down, while annulment rates went up. So, what's going on? In previous individual episodes, John Clark and Fr. Michael Duesterhaus (a procurator/advocate) both gave their insights about annulment and marriage data. On this episode, they join us for a joint discussion about where we examine annulment culture in the Catholic Church. We also discuss the appeals process and both offer advice for strengthening Catholic marriages. Listen now to find out more about annulments in the Catholic Church! (And let us know your thoughts in the comment section) Fr. Michael R. Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He is the Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish, Front Royal, Virginia. Fr. Duesterhaus is not a representative of the Diocese of Arlington. He is giving his personal impressions of his pastoral ministry of over 33 years. Previous episode with John Clark: https://rumble.com/v47ud25-a-hard-look-at-annulment-data-raises-questions-about-the-process.html Previous episode with Fr. Michael Duesterhaus: https://rumble.com/v4dmni3-annulments-procurator-tells-the-story-behind-the-data.html John Clark's book "Betrayed Without a Kiss:" https://tanbooks.com/products/betrayed-without-a-kiss-defending-marriage-after-years-of-failed-leadership-in-the-church/ Mary's Advocates' books mentioned in episode: Gift of Self: https://marysadvocates.org/resources/gift-of-self-book/ When is Marriage Null? https://marysadvocates.org/resources/gift-of-self-book/ Consensual Incapacity to Marry: https://www.amazon.com/Consensual-Incapacity-Marry-Catherine-Godfrey-Howell-ebook/dp/B08BYGN7M8

Marriage is one of the Catholic Church's beautiful vocations. But dating can be confusing. How can young people successfully date and find a spouse? On this episode, Fr. Boquet gives Catholic dating advice for men and women discerning marriage. He also offers advice for husbands and wives who want to foster their children's vocations. We address questions such as: How should young people discern God's Will for their relationship? Are soulmates real? Is settling ok? What are the most important conversations to have while dating? Let us know what you think in the comments! Prayer to St. Joseph to Find a Spouse: https://www.hli.org/resources/st-joseph-novena-faithful-spouse/ CONTENTS: 00:00 Marriage is a Vocation 03:01 Pray! 04:58 Modeling Marriage 07:58 Recognize Wounds 09:58 Settling 13:00 Common Threads 15:38 Do Soulmates Exist? 19:11 Introduce People! 22:58 Biggest Challenges Facing Young People 27:22 What Am I Looking For? 29:59 Top Dating Conversations 24:33 Parents: Talk to Your Kids 38:04 Keep God in the Center 42:40 Stay Casual 43:46 Don't Be Complacent 47:55 Leading People On

Many vocations, including those to the priesthood or religious life, begin in the home. How can parents help foster their children's vocations? On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet shares his vocation story and the role his family played in his discernment. He also shares advice for individuals discerning priesthood and religious life. Find out why religious vocations are rooted in Catholic family life by listening now!

Fr. Paul Sullins explains how talk therapy can help individuals manage or reduce same-sex attraction. Many misunderstandings surround Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE). Some countries and states have laws banning "conversion therapy." These laws include bans on talk therapy for same-sex attraction. They are based on the claim that SOCE increases risk of suicide. Find out the truth about talk therapy, suicide risk, and same-sex attraction by listening to today's episode. Fr. Paul Sullins is a Senior Research Associate at the Ruth Institute. He's also a Research Professor of Sociology at the Catholic University of America. Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/

Human dignity is fundamental to Christian ethics. But what is human dignity? Can it ever be lessened or taken away? On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith's newest document on human dignity. Dignitas infinita discusses the different kinds of human dignity, as well as its effect on social issues. Find out WHY the Catholic Church condemns abortion, euthanasia, surrogacy, sex-changes, and other hot-button issues. It's critical that Catholics and Christians can understand and explain why every human person has inalienable dignity. Read Dignitas infinita: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20240402_dignitas-infinita_en.html Fr. Boquet's Spirit and Life column: https://www.hli.org/2024/04/pope-francis-transgender-comments-catholicism/ Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/

80% of women don't want casual sex. So, why is hookup culture so popular? How does casual sex affect men and women differently? Often, unmarried women have sex to catch (or keep) a man. But premarital sex has the opposite effect. Casual sex disrupts the biological bonding process! And it leads to serious physical and mental health problems. On today's episode, Dr. Joe Malone unpacks the health problems of casual sex. Hookup culture harms mental health. And it destroys relationships between men and women. He also explains why hooking up, watching porn, and excessive video gaming make men depressed. FREE e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ Dr. Malone's Resources: ➡️ https://www.drjoemalone.com/ ➡️ “Battles of the Sexes” book: https://www.amazon.com/Battles-Sexes-Raising-Conflict-Empower-ebook/dp/B07D97LQ67 ➡️ Sex IQ https://www.sexiq.org/

How can we create an environment that welcomes people with disabilities? And why is this part of a Culture of Life? Sometimes, parishes struggle to serve individuals with disabilities. But these men and women have so much to offer! It's important that they receive the resources and opportunities needed to thrive within church communities. Mark Bradford is Word on Fire Institute's new Fellow for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He also has a son with Down syndrome. On this episode, Mark joins us to discuss the solutions to the challenges facing individuals with disabilities within parish life. Find out how you can help foster a Culture of Life within your parish! Fellowship for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: https://www.wordonfire.org/fellowship-for-persons-with-intellectual-developmental-disabilities/

What’s the problem with surrogacy? How is it different from adoption? Does the surrogacy industry exploit vulnerable women? On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks the problems with surrogacy. He also shares his experience in the mission field, where both surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are common problems. Often, people assume that these practices serve the family. In reality, surrogacy and IVF abuse the rights of the child, couple, and surrogate mom. It’s important that medical professionals, priests, and the laity understand these bioethical issues. Help send bioethical education around the global! Send your best gift here: https://www.hli.org/giving/ Father's Spirit and Life article: https://www.hli.org/2024/01/francis-surrogacy-ban/ Resource Article on IVF and Ethical Guidelines for Infertility: https://www.hli.org/resources/invitro-fertilization-ethics/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=in-vitro-fertilization-ethics&utm_content=&utm_campaign=resources&utm_source_platform=&utm_creative_format=&utm_marketing_tactic= CONTENTS: 00:00 Intro 01:31 Mission Update 07:09 IVF in Developing Nations 11:32 Ukrainian Surrogacy 13:48 Types of Surrogacies 19:37 What are the Child's Rights? 21:03 Infertility 24:01 Surrogacy vs. Adoption 30:16 Common Reasons for Surrogacy 33:04 Openness to Life 36:03 Preying on Vulnerable Women 42:15 Pope Francis Comments 45:28 Need for Bioethical Education

Why do children require their biological parents’ marriage? How does a couple’s relationship impact their child’s development? Today, many children grow up in broken homes. This often negatively impacts their future. Children thrive within the marriage of their biological parents. So, how can couples help their marriage thrive? How can parents give their children the best environment to grow up in? On this episode, Dr. Patrick Fagan breaks down the rights of children regarding their parents’ marriage. Find out how your relationship impacts your kids. And find out how you and your spouse can strengthen your marriage so your family can thrive! My Forge: The Fight for Families: https://myforge.org/

Why do people get euthanized? And how can we create a culture where euthanasia is unthinkable? Canada's stats are shocking. Since 2016, over 50,000 individuals have died from legal euthanasia and assisted suicide. So, what can we do? Right now, Amanda Achtman is on a mission to end euthanasia in Canada. Through her project Dying to Meet You, Amanda is creating a hopeful, life-affirming alternative to counter cultural despair. Find out more by listening to today’s episode! Please Note: after filming this episode, Canada's government postponed euthanasia for mental illness until at least March 2027. Please pray that this pause is permanent! Check out Amanda's work: https://www.dyingtomeetyou.com/ Christine’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0mIi1rLHMw CONTENTS 00:00 Meet Amanda 01:44 Dying to Meet You 02:40 Church as an Expert in Humanity 06:00 Panel Topics 09:22 Positive Alternative Vision 11:33 Suffering 13:54 Canada Euthanasia Stats 19:06 Why are People Euthanized? 22:00 Hope vs. Despair 23:36 Mass of a Lifetime 29:22 Nursing Homes? 31:29 Meaningful Activities? 35:35 USA and Euthanasia 37:33 Euthanasia vs. Assisted Suicide 40:57 Christine's Story: Don't Euthanize Me 49:40 Making Euthanasia Unthinkable 51:44 Don't Lose Hope!

How has the war with Russia changed pro-life work in Ukraine? Why is this the best time to promote life and family? And do Americans really understand Ukrainian values? On today's episode, Genia Samborska (HLI's affiliate in Ukraine) and Valentyna Pavsyukova join us for an in-depth discussion about the fight for life and family in Ukraine. Discover Ukraine's conservative values, hear stories of ex-abortionist's profound conversions, and find out how Genia shut down illegal abortion pill distribution in neighboring Poland. Donate to HLI and help Genia's work in Ukraine! Send your best gift here: https://www.hli.org/giving/ Chalice of Mercy: https://chaliceofmercy.org/ CONTENTS: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:50 Soviet Anti-Life Influence 00:04:13 Russian Invasion 00:06:10 American Influence 00:07:20 Is Russia Really Pro-Family? 00:09:38 Is Ukraine Liberal? 00:11:40 OB/GYN Pilgrimages 00:13:10 Is Abortion Legal? 00:15:25 Ex-Abortionist Conversions 00:24:15 2nd Conversion Story 00:32:50 Best Time to Defend Life and Family? 00:37:11 Abortion Pills in Poland 00:48:30 A Secret Phone Call 00:52:32 HLI Ukraine's Mission 00:58:40 American Perception of Ukraine 01:03:25 Upcoming Pro-Life Bill 01:07:00 Chalice of Mercy

Why are 90% of annulments granted by the Catholic Church? Can you trust the Tribunal’s decision? Why did annulment numbers increase? Fr. Duesterhaus, a procurator/advocate, has presented many formal cases over the years. On today’s episode, he gives an insider’s look at the annulment process. He also offers insight to the common reasons couples seek annulments. Fr. Michael R. Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He is the Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish, Front Royal, Virginia. Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ CONTENTS: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:29 Code of Canon Law 00:05:22 Cake Analogy 00:09:11 Marriage Definition 00:10:04 Catholic Church Jurisdiction 00:13:48 Why Did Annulment Numbers Rise? 00:15:27 Common Reasons for Annulments 00:18:37 Potential Issues 00:20:36 Why 90% of Annulments are Granted 00:25:00 Pastoral Activity 00:26:04 Can We Trust the Decision? 00:32:43 Contraception? 00:34:05 Porn & Netflix 00:36:41 Bad Marriage Prep 00:40:12 Fr. Duesterhaus' Pre-Cana Program 00:43:27 No Catholic Culture 00:54:19 Convalidation 00:58:29 Why Some Protestants Aren't Christians 01:03:26 Men Need to be Men 01:04:52 Privilege of Faith Case

Have you ever heard of the Kissinger Report? Officially National Security Study Memorandum 200 (NSSM-200), this report is the USA’s blueprint for population control. Released in 1974, the Kissinger Report is 50 years old this year. It’s never been rescinded, so this is still the official U.S. policy. On today’s episode, Fr. Boquet discusses the Kissinger Report, which is still impacting families worldwide. We unpack the United States’ motivations for depopulation, what methods the report suggests, and which countries were specifically targeted. Has NSSM-200 contributed to the current demographic winter? Find out more by watching now! NSSM-200 Resource: https://www.hli.org/resources/nssm-200/ NSSM-200 Text: https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PCAAB500.pdf

Infanticide and abortion go hand-in-hand. Afterall, the only difference is the baby’s location. Both acts kill an innocent child. When Jill Stanek was working as a nurse in 1999, she discovered that her hospital was performing abortions. Many preborn babies would be delivered early and then left to die in the hospital’s utility room. Often, these children were aborted because of fetal abnormalities. One night, Jill Stanek held a baby with Down syndrome, who’d survived an abortion attempt. He finally died in her arms. This experience changed Jill’s life and set her on a mission to end abortion. On today’s episode, Jill Stanek shares her story for a new generation. If he had lived, the baby she held would be 25 years old now! Find out how this experience changed Jill’s life.

How can you help someone struggling with same-sex attraction? How can Christians minister to the LGBTQ community and speak the truth about God’s plan for marriage? On this episode, Jessica Owens shares her journey back from same-sex attraction. After living a lesbian lifestyle for years, she realized the truth and beauty of God’s plan for marriage. Today, by the grace of God, she doesn’t struggle with same-sex attraction anymore. As Christians, we must help people struggling with sexual sins. But many people don’t know what to say. Find out how you can help individuals in your community who may be living (or are tempted to live) a gay or lesbian lifestyle. Changed Movement website: https://changedmovement.com/

In the past 60 years, annulment rates have skyrocketed in the U.S. Meanwhile, marriage rates are down. What’s up with that? Is the marriage annulment process breaking down our understanding of the sanctity of marriage? In today’s episode, John Clark discusses his new book “Betrayed Without a Kiss: Defending Marriage After Years of Failed Leadership in the Church.” He discusses the current crisis in America, specifically regarding the Catholic annulment process. Listen now, as we dive into questions including: what is annulment vs. divorce? How should the Church defend the sanctity of marriage? Is the marriage annulment process the problem? Or do we need better Catholic marriage preparation? John Clark's book: https://tanbooks.com/products/betrayed-without-a-kiss-defending-marriage-after-years-of-failed-leadership-in-the-church/?cjevent=f5131070686d11ee83b2000a0a82b839 Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/