A Catholic Nurse’s Position Against IVF

As a Catholic nurse, I am deeply committed to upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly in matters concerning human dignity and life. One such area is in vitro fertilization (IVF), a practice the Church condemns for several profound reasons.

First and foremost, IVF separates procreation from the conjugal act, thereby undermining the sanctity and purpose of sexual relations. The Catholic Church teaches that the conjugal act is inherently ordered toward both the unitive and procreative aspects of marriage (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, para. 2377). IVF disrupts this natural order, reducing the sacred act of marital intimacy to mere biological mechanics devoid of the spiritual and emotional unity intended by God.

Moreover, the practice of storing human embryos in freezers poses a grave affront to human dignity. Each embryo represents a unique human life created in God's image, deserving of respect and protection from conception to natural death (CCC, 1997, para. 2270). The act of freezing embryos treats them as mere commodities, a violation of their inherent worth and dignity.

Lastly, IVF frequently involves the discarding of "leftover" embryos, which the Church views as a form of direct murder. Every embryo, regardless of its developmental stage, is a human being with an inviolable right to life (John Paul II, 1995, para. 57). Discarding embryos is not only morally indefensible but also a profound violation of the commandment "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13).

As a Catholic nurse, my ethical stance must align with my faith. Supporting IVF contradicts these fundamental teachings. I am called to advocate for life in all its forms and to protect the sanctity of human existence as sacred gifts from God.

References:

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
John Paul II. (1995). Evangelium Vitae. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:13.

Holy Cross Seminary: A Journey of Transformation and Devotion

Holy Cross Seminary stands as a testament to a rich and diverse history in the heart of the Australian countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and a serene landscape. Originally founded as an agricultural and trade college in February 1954, the institution underwent several transformations before finding its current purpose as a Catholic seminary under the care of the Society of St. Pius X.

The main seminary building

The foundation stone, laid on June 8th, 1952, by Archbishop TB McGuire, Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn, remains a symbolic cornerstone, marking the beginnings of an educational legacy. Administered by the Christian Brothers, the school opened its doors with an enrollment of eighty boarders and operated under the patronage of St. Michael.

As time unfolded, the institution took on new roles, adapting to the community's evolving needs. In the 1970s, the building transitioned into a drug rehabilitation center, providing support and hope to those grappling with addiction. During this period of change, the resilient spirit of the place began to manifest, demonstrating its capacity for transformation and renewal.

In 1998, a new chapter unfolded as the property was acquired by the Society of St. Pius X. Today, Holy Cross Seminary stands as one of six seminaries operated by the Society. Nestled 25 kilometers outside Goulburn and a two-hour drive from Sydney, the seminary embraces its international character, welcoming candidates worldwide. However, it remains particularly attuned to the needs of those from Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Despite its global reach, Holy Cross Seminary distinguishes itself as the smallest of the Society's seminaries. Beyond its role as an international seminary, it serves as a Brothers' Novitiate—a haven for men willing to make profound sacrifices to follow Christ and seek perfection.

The echoes of the past reverberate through the corridors of Holy Cross Seminary, where a foundation laid in 1952 has grown into a haven for spiritual growth and dedication. As the smallest yet vibrant seminary of the Society of St. Pius X, Holy Cross continues to carve its unique niche in the tapestry of religious education, embodying the essence of transformation and devotion.

Are we wearing the Brown Scapular??? It is Important!!!

The well known and renowned Archbishop Polding was once on one of his long missionary journeys which brought him to a region almost destitute of inhabitants, in the interior of Australia. Feeling very ill on his way, he luckily was able to find a hospitable reception in the house of a poor widow who nursed him with every care and kindness. Before leaving, he promised her, in return for her kindness, that he would come and attend her last hours himself and administer the last Sacraments when she would send for him.

Some time after this, one night in autumn, a letter arrived reminding the Archbishop of his promise, stating that the kind widow was near death. Without any hesitation in spite of the rough season, the holy prelate set out to keep his promise. He had to travel some days before reaching his destination and on his arrival, tired and exhausted, he was surprised to find non one at home. While he was musing as to what course was best to pursue, his attention was arrested by a sound, evidently caused by someone occupied in felling trees. He went in the direction of the sound, hoping to come across someone who could give him information and was delighted to find a study Irishman, who told him that the good lady although very ill, fearing that the Archbishop would not be in time, had herself carried elsewhere for spiritual help.

The Archbishop knew it was useless to attempt to overtake her so he sat on the stump of a tree and began to converse with the woodcuttter. After a few remarks, Archbishop Polding said as if by sudden inspiration: "Now, my good friend, although I came here on quite a different mission, I need not waste my journey; do kneel down here and let me hear your Confession.

the Irishman was taken aback and refused, alleging that he was totally unprepared - that it was so long since he confessed and...the usual round of excuses. By degrees, the Archbishop persuaded him that the reasons he had given for not making his Confession were very the reasons why he should do so at once and there probably would not be such an easy chance for him again.


So he knelt down, made his Confession and showed every sign of repentance, promising to receive Holy Communion on the following Sunday.


The Archbishop gave him his blessing and prepared to start on his homeward journey. He heard a crash and groan and found his penitent dead, struck down by a fallen branch.

Merciful indeed was the Good Shepherd, to bring hither, from such a distance, the channels of His Grace and to turn the tide of events in such a way as to cause them to flow where they were most needed. But it was to the compassion of Mary that Arhbishop Poliding ascribed this wonderful, if not miraculous occurence, for he found on the body of the woodcutter the Scapular of Mount Carmel.

Bishop Fellay Consecrated New Church in Iloilo

 "Lift up your gates, O ye princes: and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates, and the King of glory shall enter in." Thus spoke Bishop Bernard Fellay as he knocked thrice on the door of the Society's new church at the grounds of the St. Bernard Brothers' Novitiate and Pre-seminary in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo last 13 May 2017.













Photos courtesy of Anthony Ghela

Traditional Catholic Schools in Australia

Parents and interested parties who are keen to send their children to traditional Catholic schools in Australia may check the following websites:


St. Dominic Savio School (Sydney)

St Thomas Aquinas College (Melbourne/Tynong)

St. Philomena School (Brisbane)

Ceremony of St Stephen Guild at Rockdale

The Ceremony of St Stephen Guild was held this morning at the Child Jesus and St Joseph Church in Rockdale NSW with Fr Michael Delsorte, Prior of the Church, as the conferring authority and ably assisted by the Australia-wide Guild president, Mr Pedro Sidoti.

Holy Cross Seminary 2015 Ordinations; 2 Priests and 3 Deacons

Today, 17 December 2015, five seminarians are ordained to the (2) priesthood and (3) diaconate, respectively. The ordination ceremony takes place at the Holy Cross Seminary in Goulburn at 9:00 this morning. His Lordship Bishop Bernard Fellay, Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X confers the Sacrament of Priestly Ordination upon Deacon Joseph Ockerse and Deacon Marcel Ockerse. Both deacons hail from Druin, Victoria, Australia.

While three seminarians are ordained to the diaconate: Rev. Mr. Anthony McNamara (Sydney, NSW Australia); Rev. Mr. Nicholas Stamos (St. Mary's, Kansas USA), and Rev. Mr. Erik Ladner (Houston, TX, USA).

All 21 priests of the Australian district are present including guest priests from Ireland (Fr. Vicente Griego), Singapore (Fr. Fabrice Loschi) and United States of America (Fr. Yves Le Roux). The 6 SSPX Sisters at Rockdale as well as 10 Dominican teaching sisters of Wanganui who are currently based in Tynong, VIC have participated in this joyous event.

This is the first priestly ordination since 2009.

Procession of the ordinands

Bestowal of the Office

Bestowal of the Office

Sermon of His Lordship, Bishop Bernard Fellay

The ordinands with Bishop Fellay and the priests from Australian and other districts

          

Priestly blessing of new priest