An Historical Overview: The Growth of Marriage as Avenue of Holiness | Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P.
Feb 10, 2025
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Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P. is the President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception and a moral theology expert. He discusses marriage's evolution as a spiritual partnership, highlighting its transformation from a societal norm to a universal call to holiness. Petri examines the historical teachings on marriage and contraception, particularly in light of Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae, and addresses the tensions between traditional doctrines and modern perspectives. He also delves into the complexities of dissent within the Church and the theological developments of the 20th century.
The shift in the 19th and 20th centuries redefined marriage as a sacred vocation that fosters mutual love and holiness.
Pope Paul VI's encyclical Humanae Vitae highlighted the need to address contemporary societal issues while reaffirming the Church's teaching on marriage.
Deep dives
The Universal Call to Holiness and Marriage
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a growing recognition among Catholics of the universal call to holiness that emphasized that all individuals, not just clergy, are called to grow close to God. This shift in understanding was influenced by various devotions, with new practices emerging that allowed laypeople to grow in holiness without mimicking monastic practices. Marriage began to be perceived as a profound romantic relationship that could foster mutual support and love, helping each spouse to grow in holiness. This marks a significant development in how marriage was conceptualized within the Catholic Church, placing more emphasis on personal relationships within the sacrament.
Historical Context of Marriage and Contraception
The early 20th century witnessed numerous societal changes, including rising birth control movements and concerns over population growth, which directly affected Christian perceptions of marriage. Significant events included the establishment of contraceptive devices and the acceptance of contraception within the medical community. The Anglican Communion experienced a dramatic shift resulting in the acceptance of contraceptive practices in the 1930 Lambeth Conference, prompting a swift Catholic response. Pope Pius XI's encyclical, Casti Canubii, reinforced the traditional understanding of marriage and the prohibited nature of contraception, positioning the Catholic Church at odds with the evolving societal views.
Pope Paul VI and Humanae Vitae
Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical Humanae Vitae in 1968, which addressed the complexities of marriage and contraception amidst growing societal acceptance of contraceptive practices. Although the encyclical's initial paragraphs aligned with the majority report from his commission, it ultimately reaffirmed the Church's long-standing teaching on the inseparability of the unitive and procreative meanings of the marital act. This encyclical received mixed reactions from bishops and theologians, with significant dissent arising in response to its teachings on contraception. The release of Humanae Vitae marked a pivotal moment, prompting the Church to navigate the intersection of moral theology, personalist perspectives, and contemporary societal challenges.
Emerging Personalism in Marriage Theology
The evolving discourse on marriage in the 20th century was significantly influenced by a personalist approach that emphasized the dignity of love and self-giving within the marital relationship. This approach diverged from a strictly natural law perspective, focusing on the subjective experiences of spouses in their union rather than merely biological functions. Key figures like Dietrich von Hildebrand contributed to this shift by distinguishing the end and meaning of marriage, suggesting that love was foundational to the marital experience. Various lay movements further advanced this understanding, promoting the idea of marriage as a vocation characterized by mutual support and personal development, creating a renewed appreciation for the sacramental nature of marriage.
Father Thomas Petri, O.P. is the President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies, where he also serves as an assistant professor of moral theology and pastoral studies. Ordained a priest in 2009, he holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America.
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