July 21, 2017
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Most Reverend Michael F.
Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, released the following statement for Natural
Family Planning Awareness Week (July23-29):
As our
Church observes the 49th anniversary of the encyclical Humanae
Vitae (July 25), we also we celebrate Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Awareness Week (July 23-29). The practice of Natural Family Planning enables
couples to live out God’s design for married love by fostering authentic
communication, openness to life, and mutual respect within marriage. In a
manner consistent with the teaching of Blessed Pope Paul VI, NFP helps to
promote responsible parenthood while fostering the unique vocation of husbands
and wives to bring human life into the world. I
encourage all married couples to reflect on the teaching of Humanae Vitae and
learn more about the benefits of Natural Family Planning. I join with my
brother bishops in saying: “It’s Time! Say ‘Yes’ to God’s Plan for Married
Love.”
Learn more about resources for Natural Family
Planning at http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/Marriage-and-Family/Natural-Family-Planning/