133 Understanding the moral value of our human actions

In this episode we look into the “sources” of the morality of our human actions, specifically, what is the “moral object” what are the “intentions” and what are the “circumstances” of a human act. We address why “the end doesn’t justify the means” and why some actions are always morally illicit, like the case of abortion, blasphemy and perjury.

- You can find the topics discussed in this episode in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1749-1761.

- Some Documents of the Magisterium of the Church in this regard:

1) Encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” (John Paul II), on the respect of human life: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae.html

2) Document “Donum Vitae” by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (on the respect of human life and why abortion is evil): https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19870222_respect-for-human-life_en.html

3) Further explanation of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith on abortion: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20090711_aborto-procurato_en.html

4) Summary on the topic by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/abortion/respect-for-unborn-human-life

- Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order.

- Visit the Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This Podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat) preached by the Priests of Miles Christi, visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

- Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

- Planning, recording, editing, and publishing by Fr. Patrick Wainwright, MC.

- Gear: Two Shure MV7 USB dynamic microphone.

- Intro music from pond5.com