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