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Casti Connubii: On Christian Marriage
Book by Pope Pius XI
72 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1930
22 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Pope Pius XI
104 books23 followersPope Pius XI,born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti, reigned as Pope from 6 February 1922 to his death in 1939. He was the first sovereign of Vatican City from its creation as an independent state on 11 February 1929. He took as his papal motto, "Pax Christi in Regno Christi," translated "The Peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ."
Pius XI issued numerous encyclicals, including Quadragesimo Anno , in the 40th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's groundbreaking social encyclical Rerum Novarum, highlighting the capitalistic greed of international finance, and social justice issues, and Quas primas, establishing the feast of Christ the King. The encyclical Studiorum Ducem, promulgated 29 June 1923, was written on the occasion of the 6th centenary of the canonization of Thomas Aquinas, whose thought is acclaimed as central to Catholic philosophy and theology. The encyclical also singles out the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum as the preeminent institution for the teaching of Aquinas: "ante omnia Pontificium Collegium Angelicum, ubi Thomam tamquam domi suae habitare dixeris" (before all others the Pontifical Angelicum College, where Thomas can be said to dwell).
To establish or maintain the position of the Catholic Church, he concluded a record number of concordats, including the Reichskonkordat with Germany (Germany's betrayals of which he condemned four years later in the encyclical Mit brennender Sorge ("With Burning Anxiety")). During his pontificate, the longstanding hostility with the Italian government over the status of the papacy and the Church in Italy was successfully resolved in the Lateran Treaty of 1929. He was unable to stop the persecution of the Church and the killing of clergy in Mexico, Spain and the Soviet Union. He canonized important saints, including Thomas More, Petrus Canisius, Konrad von Parzham, Andrew Bobola and Don Bosco. He beatified and canonized Thérèse de Lisieux, for whom he held special reverence, and gave equivalent canonization to Albertus Magnus, naming him a Doctor of the Church due to the spiritual power of his writings. Pius XI created the feast of Christ the King in response to anti-clericalism. He took a strong interest in fostering the participation of lay people throughout the Catholic Church, especially in the Catholic Action movement. The end of his pontificate was dominated by speaking out against Hitler and Mussolini and defending the Catholic Church from intrusions into Catholic life and education.
He died on 10 February 1939 in the Apostolic Palace and is buried in the Papal Grotto of Saint Peter's Basilica. In the course of excavating space for his tomb, two levels of burial grounds were uncovered which revealed bones now venerated as the bones of St. Peter.
Pius XI issued numerous encyclicals, including Quadragesimo Anno , in the 40th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's groundbreaking social encyclical Rerum Novarum, highlighting the capitalistic greed of international finance, and social justice issues, and Quas primas, establishing the feast of Christ the King. The encyclical Studiorum Ducem, promulgated 29 June 1923, was written on the occasion of the 6th centenary of the canonization of Thomas Aquinas, whose thought is acclaimed as central to Catholic philosophy and theology. The encyclical also singles out the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum as the preeminent institution for the teaching of Aquinas: "ante omnia Pontificium Collegium Angelicum, ubi Thomam tamquam domi suae habitare dixeris" (before all others the Pontifical Angelicum College, where Thomas can be said to dwell).
To establish or maintain the position of the Catholic Church, he concluded a record number of concordats, including the Reichskonkordat with Germany (Germany's betrayals of which he condemned four years later in the encyclical Mit brennender Sorge ("With Burning Anxiety")). During his pontificate, the longstanding hostility with the Italian government over the status of the papacy and the Church in Italy was successfully resolved in the Lateran Treaty of 1929. He was unable to stop the persecution of the Church and the killing of clergy in Mexico, Spain and the Soviet Union. He canonized important saints, including Thomas More, Petrus Canisius, Konrad von Parzham, Andrew Bobola and Don Bosco. He beatified and canonized Thérèse de Lisieux, for whom he held special reverence, and gave equivalent canonization to Albertus Magnus, naming him a Doctor of the Church due to the spiritual power of his writings. Pius XI created the feast of Christ the King in response to anti-clericalism. He took a strong interest in fostering the participation of lay people throughout the Catholic Church, especially in the Catholic Action movement. The end of his pontificate was dominated by speaking out against Hitler and Mussolini and defending the Catholic Church from intrusions into Catholic life and education.
He died on 10 February 1939 in the Apostolic Palace and is buried in the Papal Grotto of Saint Peter's Basilica. In the course of excavating space for his tomb, two levels of burial grounds were uncovered which revealed bones now venerated as the bones of St. Peter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 12, 2017
This should be required reading for all those considering marriage, and, for the priest who is giving them marriage prep. The encyclical is too deep and far reaching to do it justice here, but suffice it to say that one could, and should, study it in depth and put its wise words into practice.
August 17, 2021
Very interesting! Definitely of the older style of papal encyclical, which I found endearing. There were a lot of good points and things to ponder about marriage in modern society--and even dating in modern society.
4 stars
4 stars
July 17, 2020
Essential reading for teenagers approaching dating age! This beautiful document covers marriage - what it is, what it isn't, what opposes it and what remedies are to be applied. Written by Pope Pius XI in 1930, the Church acknowledges that the principles of marriage are in danger of "perverse morality" and "since these most pernicious errors and depraved morals have begun to spread even amongst the faithful and are gradually gaining ground...[the Church]... raises our voice to keep the flock committed to our care from poisoned pastures and preserve it from harm.” Paragraph 3
What would Pope Pius XI Think of the state of marriage in our current culture? He saw it coming and tried to warn us. Written as a response to the protestant churches, which were beginning to allow contraception in certain circumstances, this encyclical points out that the use of contraception is the beginning of the unraveling of marriage.
paragraph 54 deserves to be quoted in its entirety. “But no reason, however a grave, may be put forward by which anything intrinsically against nature may become conformable to nature and morally good. Since, therefore, the conjugal act is destined primarily by nature for the begetting of children, those who in exercising it deliberately frustrate its natural power and purpose sin against nature and commit a deed which is shameful and intrinsically vicious.”
Paragraph 56 goes on that the Catholic Church, “In order that she may preserve the chastity of the nuptial union from being defiled by this foul stain, raises her voice and token of her divine ambassador ship and through our mouth proclaims a new: any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that the act is deliberately frustrated in its natural power to generate life is an offense against the law of God and of nature, and those who indulge in such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin.”
One of my favorite l phrases came from paragraph 75 in speaking about the true emancipation of women as opposed to the “false liberty And a natural equality with the husband is to the detriment of the woman herself, FOR IF THE WOMAN DESCENDS FROM HER TRULY REGAL THRIVE TO WHICH SHE HAS BEEN RAISED WITHIN THE WALLS OF THE HOME BY MEANS OF THE GOSPEL, SHE WILL SOON BE REDUCED TO THE OLD STATE OF SLAVERY and become as amongst the pagans The mere instrument of man.” So true. Our society is bent upon making us all simply cogs in the machine whereas our church wants to raise us to paradise!
Paragraph 100 to rightly pointed out the importance of the authority of the church and discerning the morality of these actions. “ but everyone can see to how many fallacies an avenue would be opened up and how many errors would be come mixed with the truth, if it were left solely to the light of reason of each to find it out, or if it were to be discovered by the private interpretation of the truth which is revealed.” We must especially pay attention to the churches teaching on marriage because “ of the inordinate desire for pleasure which can attack frail human nature and easily deceive it and leave it astray; this is all the more true of the observance of the divine law, which demands sometimes hard and repeated sacrifices, for which, as experience points out, a weak man can find so many excuses for avoiding the fulfillment of the divine law.”
Most of these notes are simply for my own benefit but if anybody would like to learn more you can read this, or a shorter version humanae vitae written in 1968.
What would Pope Pius XI Think of the state of marriage in our current culture? He saw it coming and tried to warn us. Written as a response to the protestant churches, which were beginning to allow contraception in certain circumstances, this encyclical points out that the use of contraception is the beginning of the unraveling of marriage.
paragraph 54 deserves to be quoted in its entirety. “But no reason, however a grave, may be put forward by which anything intrinsically against nature may become conformable to nature and morally good. Since, therefore, the conjugal act is destined primarily by nature for the begetting of children, those who in exercising it deliberately frustrate its natural power and purpose sin against nature and commit a deed which is shameful and intrinsically vicious.”
Paragraph 56 goes on that the Catholic Church, “In order that she may preserve the chastity of the nuptial union from being defiled by this foul stain, raises her voice and token of her divine ambassador ship and through our mouth proclaims a new: any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that the act is deliberately frustrated in its natural power to generate life is an offense against the law of God and of nature, and those who indulge in such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin.”
One of my favorite l phrases came from paragraph 75 in speaking about the true emancipation of women as opposed to the “false liberty And a natural equality with the husband is to the detriment of the woman herself, FOR IF THE WOMAN DESCENDS FROM HER TRULY REGAL THRIVE TO WHICH SHE HAS BEEN RAISED WITHIN THE WALLS OF THE HOME BY MEANS OF THE GOSPEL, SHE WILL SOON BE REDUCED TO THE OLD STATE OF SLAVERY and become as amongst the pagans The mere instrument of man.” So true. Our society is bent upon making us all simply cogs in the machine whereas our church wants to raise us to paradise!
Paragraph 100 to rightly pointed out the importance of the authority of the church and discerning the morality of these actions. “ but everyone can see to how many fallacies an avenue would be opened up and how many errors would be come mixed with the truth, if it were left solely to the light of reason of each to find it out, or if it were to be discovered by the private interpretation of the truth which is revealed.” We must especially pay attention to the churches teaching on marriage because “ of the inordinate desire for pleasure which can attack frail human nature and easily deceive it and leave it astray; this is all the more true of the observance of the divine law, which demands sometimes hard and repeated sacrifices, for which, as experience points out, a weak man can find so many excuses for avoiding the fulfillment of the divine law.”
Most of these notes are simply for my own benefit but if anybody would like to learn more you can read this, or a shorter version humanae vitae written in 1968.
March 31, 2014
Well written, of course, and so thorough. Can't beat Mama Church writings. :)
August 12, 2022
It's objectively funny to be rating a papal encyclical on a star system. Anyway, I didn't get a ton new out of this as I was expecting, but it's nice to hear the Church speak at length about marriage and what it entails, specifically. Not as much great practical advice but a good spiritual setting in a general sense.
P.S. There's some dartial mebt discussion and it's extremely normal and no one is allowed to use this document to defend some freak shit
P.S. There's some dartial mebt discussion and it's extremely normal and no one is allowed to use this document to defend some freak shit
July 6, 2021
Absolutely everyone needs to read this! A firm explanation of the principles of true marriage!!
November 20, 2021
Carta Encíclica fabulosa, como são todas as de Pio XI. Cheia de tesouros de doutrina e espiritualidade.
April 23, 2020
That's the document you need to read if you want a concise and complete idea of what's the view of the Church on marriage. It's very beautifully written and it covers all the necessary subjects, from the most sublimes to the most controversial, always in a clear way leaving no room to dubious interpretation.
November 29, 2020
I picked it up believing it would a good spiritual prep for my upcoming wedding day (God willing). It turns out to be more than good: it is a beautiful, encouraging, uplifting read! It is at 128 page count but that’s because the font size is quite large, maybe 14pt. Many pre-Vatican II Church documents have similar style: succinct in length, strong in principle, powerful in expression, always acknowledging real-life difficulties but never succumbing to the temptation of giving in to said difficulties. Instead, they constantly point to the higher good and incite us to act heroically. This particular encyclical, for example, doesn’t seem to want to solve every marital problem in the world. It bravely diagnoses the root cause, presents the logical cascades where one thing would lead to another, and the ways employed by Satan and men to wreak havoc in marriage. The war on marriage and family is—after all—a great spiritual war; a point that is often lost in the post-Vatican II atmosphere. I wonder how the recent Amoris Laetitia would compare to Casti Connubii. It is thicker and more verbose it seems, than the latter. But I think I need to read Familiaris Consortio first. That way I can judge the line of thought from the three pontificates, which I suspect represents the differing [and deteriorating?] state of morality in the world and how strongly or weakly the Church responds.
July 13, 2021
Absolutely marvellous read! Also, full of very uplifting and encouraging words! Should be required literature for engaged couples.
October 18, 2014
So beautiful! This should be a required reading for engaged couples!
July 24, 2024
Pius XI penned Casti connubii in the wake of the 1930 Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Communion that (in)famously approved the use of contraceptives in situations in which there is “a clearly felt moral obligation to limit or avoid parenthood” in conjunction with “a morally sound reason for avoiding complete abstinence.” As such, Casti connubii is best known for its prohibition of birth control: “Any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that the act is deliberately frustrated in its natural power to generate life is an offense against the law of God and of nature, and those who indulge in such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin” (56). Pius defends this claim with recourse both to natural law and scripture, but it is the former that most clearly explains his rationale: the principal end of sexual intercourse is procreation. Or, as Pius puts it, “the conjugal act is destined primarily by nature for the begetting of children” (54).
Nevertheless, Pius concedes that procreation is not the sole natural end of sexual intercourse. With an eye to Augustine’s On the Good of Marriage, Pius references what would come to be known in Catholic social thought as the unitive end of marriage (and by extension, sexual intercourse): “In matrimony as well as in the use of matrimonial rights there are also secondary ends, such as mutual aid, the cultivating of mutual love, and the quieting of concupiscence which husband and wife are not forbidden to consider so long as they are subordinated to the primary end [of procreation] and so long as the intrinsic nature of the act is preserved” (59). With this unitive end in view, Pius reasons that “nor are those considered as acting against nature who in the married state use their right in the proper manner although on account of natural reasons either of time or of certain defects, new life cannot be brought forth” (59). There is some debate as to whether the phrase, “natural reasons of time,” simply refers to menopause or more expansively to the infertile period of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and thus it is not clear whether Pius explicitly affirms here what has come to be known as natural family planning (which the Church affirmed in other proclamations, both before and after Casti connubii). In any case, Pius here makes a crucially important claim that, in my assessment, is not yet fully appreciated by most Catholics—namely, that sexual intercourse can be at once licit and not explicitly or intentionally ordered toward procreation (as, for example, when a postmenopausal married woman has sex with her husband). There is consequently some (ostensible) tension between the “exception” Pius carves out for non-procreative sex and his insistence that the unitive end be “subordinated” to the procreative end.
While Casti connubii is most well-known for its pronouncements on contraceptives and abortion, it is also notable how the encyclical situates the family as the foundation of the social order. Put rather simply and perhaps somewhat crudely, Pius is so fixated on marriage, sex, and the intimate details of family life because the family, while an imperfect society (that is, does not have in itself the means for its complete development), is absolutely integral to the prosperity of civil society and the pursuit of the common good. While there is much to object to in Casti connubii—I have in mind, in particular, Pius’s dubious comments on the proper role of mothers and equality within marriage—there is a fundamental truth to his insistence on the family as the most basic social unit, the flourishing of which is the sine qua non of a truly flourishing civil society.
Nevertheless, Pius concedes that procreation is not the sole natural end of sexual intercourse. With an eye to Augustine’s On the Good of Marriage, Pius references what would come to be known in Catholic social thought as the unitive end of marriage (and by extension, sexual intercourse): “In matrimony as well as in the use of matrimonial rights there are also secondary ends, such as mutual aid, the cultivating of mutual love, and the quieting of concupiscence which husband and wife are not forbidden to consider so long as they are subordinated to the primary end [of procreation] and so long as the intrinsic nature of the act is preserved” (59). With this unitive end in view, Pius reasons that “nor are those considered as acting against nature who in the married state use their right in the proper manner although on account of natural reasons either of time or of certain defects, new life cannot be brought forth” (59). There is some debate as to whether the phrase, “natural reasons of time,” simply refers to menopause or more expansively to the infertile period of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and thus it is not clear whether Pius explicitly affirms here what has come to be known as natural family planning (which the Church affirmed in other proclamations, both before and after Casti connubii). In any case, Pius here makes a crucially important claim that, in my assessment, is not yet fully appreciated by most Catholics—namely, that sexual intercourse can be at once licit and not explicitly or intentionally ordered toward procreation (as, for example, when a postmenopausal married woman has sex with her husband). There is consequently some (ostensible) tension between the “exception” Pius carves out for non-procreative sex and his insistence that the unitive end be “subordinated” to the procreative end.
While Casti connubii is most well-known for its pronouncements on contraceptives and abortion, it is also notable how the encyclical situates the family as the foundation of the social order. Put rather simply and perhaps somewhat crudely, Pius is so fixated on marriage, sex, and the intimate details of family life because the family, while an imperfect society (that is, does not have in itself the means for its complete development), is absolutely integral to the prosperity of civil society and the pursuit of the common good. While there is much to object to in Casti connubii—I have in mind, in particular, Pius’s dubious comments on the proper role of mothers and equality within marriage—there is a fundamental truth to his insistence on the family as the most basic social unit, the flourishing of which is the sine qua non of a truly flourishing civil society.
July 9, 2023
Essential reading on matrimony.
—————
"Christian parents must also understand that they are destined... to raise up fellow-citizens of the Saints, and members of God's household, that the worshippers of God and Our Savior may daily increase."
"[Matrimonial love] must have as its primary purpose that man and wife help each other day by day in forming and perfecting themselves in the interior life, so that through their partnership in life they may advance ever more and more in virtue, and above all that they may grow in true love toward God and their neighbor, on which indeed 'dependeth the whole Law and the Prophets.'"
“For if the man is the head, the woman is the heart, and as he occupies the chief place in ruling, so she may and ought to claim for herself the chief place in love.”
“For experience has taught that unassailable stability in matrimony is a fruitful source of virtuous life and of habits of integrity. Where this order of things obtains, the happiness and well being of the nation is safely guarded; what the families and individuals are, so also is the State, for a body is determined by its parts. Wherefore, both for the private good of husband, wife and children, as likewise for the public good of human society, they indeed deserve well who strenuously defend the inviolable stability of matrimony.”
“Those who hold the reins of government should not forget that it is the duty of public authority by appropriate laws and sanctions to defend the lives of the innocent, and this all the more so since those whose lives are endangered and assailed cannot defend themselves. Among whom we must mention in the first place infants hidden in the mother's womb. And if the public magistrates not only do not defend them, but by their laws and ordinances betray them to death at the hands of doctors or of others, let them remember that God is the Judge and Avenger of innocent blood which cried from earth to Heaven.”
“[F]or if the woman descends from her truly regal throne to which she has been raised within the walls of the home by means of the Gospel, she will soon be reduced to the old state of slavery (if not in appearance, certainly in reality) and become as amongst the pagans the mere instrument of man.”
“Wherefore, those who have the care of the State and of the public good cannot neglect the needs of married people and their families, without bringing great harm upon the State and on the common welfare. Hence, in making the laws and in disposing of public funds they must do their utmost to relieve the needs of the poor, considering such a task as one of the most important of their administrative duties.”
—————
"Christian parents must also understand that they are destined... to raise up fellow-citizens of the Saints, and members of God's household, that the worshippers of God and Our Savior may daily increase."
"[Matrimonial love] must have as its primary purpose that man and wife help each other day by day in forming and perfecting themselves in the interior life, so that through their partnership in life they may advance ever more and more in virtue, and above all that they may grow in true love toward God and their neighbor, on which indeed 'dependeth the whole Law and the Prophets.'"
“For if the man is the head, the woman is the heart, and as he occupies the chief place in ruling, so she may and ought to claim for herself the chief place in love.”
“For experience has taught that unassailable stability in matrimony is a fruitful source of virtuous life and of habits of integrity. Where this order of things obtains, the happiness and well being of the nation is safely guarded; what the families and individuals are, so also is the State, for a body is determined by its parts. Wherefore, both for the private good of husband, wife and children, as likewise for the public good of human society, they indeed deserve well who strenuously defend the inviolable stability of matrimony.”
“Those who hold the reins of government should not forget that it is the duty of public authority by appropriate laws and sanctions to defend the lives of the innocent, and this all the more so since those whose lives are endangered and assailed cannot defend themselves. Among whom we must mention in the first place infants hidden in the mother's womb. And if the public magistrates not only do not defend them, but by their laws and ordinances betray them to death at the hands of doctors or of others, let them remember that God is the Judge and Avenger of innocent blood which cried from earth to Heaven.”
“[F]or if the woman descends from her truly regal throne to which she has been raised within the walls of the home by means of the Gospel, she will soon be reduced to the old state of slavery (if not in appearance, certainly in reality) and become as amongst the pagans the mere instrument of man.”
“Wherefore, those who have the care of the State and of the public good cannot neglect the needs of married people and their families, without bringing great harm upon the State and on the common welfare. Hence, in making the laws and in disposing of public funds they must do their utmost to relieve the needs of the poor, considering such a task as one of the most important of their administrative duties.”
March 21, 2025
My ChatGpt Review:
"Casti Connubii" is an encyclical issued by Pope Pius XI on December 31, 1930, addressing the sanctity and significance of Christian marriage.
Summary:
-Affirmation of Marriage as a Divine Institution: The encyclical emphasizes that marriage is established by God, not man, and is governed by divine laws.
-Recognition of the Sacramental Nature of Marriage: It highlights marriage as a sacrament that bestows grace upon spouses, aiding them in fulfilling their marital duties.
-Condemnation of Practices Contrary to Marriage's Sanctity: The document denounces contraception, abortion, and eugenics, reaffirming the Church's stance on the sanctity of life and procreation.
Impactful Quotes on the Strength and Sacramental Importance of Marriage:
1. "Matrimony was not instituted or restored by man but by God; not by man were the laws made to strengthen and confirm and elevate it but by God, the Author of nature, and by Christ Our Lord by Whom nature was redeemed."
2. "This outward sign is an efficacious symbol of the inner reality of sacramental grace, which perfects natural love, strengthens the indissoluble union, and sanctifies both husband and wife."
Mnemonic for Recall:
Think of "Casti Connubii" as the "Three S's":
- **S**acredness of marriage
- **S**acramental grace
- **S**afeguarding life
This encapsulates the encyclical's core messages regarding the divine origin of marriage, its sacramental nature, and the protection of life within the marital union.
"Casti Connubii" is an encyclical issued by Pope Pius XI on December 31, 1930, addressing the sanctity and significance of Christian marriage.
Summary:
-Affirmation of Marriage as a Divine Institution: The encyclical emphasizes that marriage is established by God, not man, and is governed by divine laws.
-Recognition of the Sacramental Nature of Marriage: It highlights marriage as a sacrament that bestows grace upon spouses, aiding them in fulfilling their marital duties.
-Condemnation of Practices Contrary to Marriage's Sanctity: The document denounces contraception, abortion, and eugenics, reaffirming the Church's stance on the sanctity of life and procreation.
Impactful Quotes on the Strength and Sacramental Importance of Marriage:
1. "Matrimony was not instituted or restored by man but by God; not by man were the laws made to strengthen and confirm and elevate it but by God, the Author of nature, and by Christ Our Lord by Whom nature was redeemed."
2. "This outward sign is an efficacious symbol of the inner reality of sacramental grace, which perfects natural love, strengthens the indissoluble union, and sanctifies both husband and wife."
Mnemonic for Recall:
Think of "Casti Connubii" as the "Three S's":
- **S**acredness of marriage
- **S**acramental grace
- **S**afeguarding life
This encapsulates the encyclical's core messages regarding the divine origin of marriage, its sacramental nature, and the protection of life within the marital union.
March 28, 2021
Fantastic summary of Christian teaching on Marriage
Written in direct response to various Protestant denominations calling for the allowance of Contraception by married couples, this short letter is an excellent summary of the goods of marriage and then a brilliant treatise on why sins such as contraception, divorce, and abortion should be discouraged.
Very wisely, Pope Plus XI quotes mainly from St. Augustine of Hippo, or directly from the Bible. My assumption is that he does this intentionally, so that protestants who read this letter will see its worth (many protestant Christians accept St. Augustine as a legitimate authority- Martin Luther was, of course, an Augustinian).
I would highly recommend any married couples preparing for marriage to read this book and discuss the idea that are brought up.
Written in direct response to various Protestant denominations calling for the allowance of Contraception by married couples, this short letter is an excellent summary of the goods of marriage and then a brilliant treatise on why sins such as contraception, divorce, and abortion should be discouraged.
Very wisely, Pope Plus XI quotes mainly from St. Augustine of Hippo, or directly from the Bible. My assumption is that he does this intentionally, so that protestants who read this letter will see its worth (many protestant Christians accept St. Augustine as a legitimate authority- Martin Luther was, of course, an Augustinian).
I would highly recommend any married couples preparing for marriage to read this book and discuss the idea that are brought up.
July 25, 2020
Dense but worthwhile, Casti Connubii should be a must-read in contemporary Catholic marriage preparation. (This is sadly not the case, it seems.) Pius XI's wisdom seems almost prophetic with regards to the effects of divorce and abortion. It elucidates the proper ends to marriage but also relates the duties of husband and wife while uplifting the reader with consolations of the faith despite what may seem--these days--to be a nigh-impossible task: to emulate the Christlike groomship and the Church's submissive brideship, both properly oriented to God.
December 1, 2023
So much wisdom in this little book. It’s actually sad to see how marriages could and should be and how our culture has fallen so short. We have moved far from good Christian marriages because of our lack of self control. Governments no longer realize how good families contribute to growth and stability of the nation. This encyclical written in 1930 is prophetic and makes one realize how lost we are. It is a good guide for young adults who are serious about their faith and pursuing a good marriage.
June 28, 2020
Wonderful defense of the sacrementality and sanctity of marriage. Also a terrific denunciation of those who would treat marriage as a self gratifying means to indulgent ends.
My only critique is that readers treat it as the definitive writing on marriage that cannot ever be nuanced in light of developing exegesis within and approved by the church. It must be read in conjunction with "Mulieris Dignitatem" and "Letter to Women".
My only critique is that readers treat it as the definitive writing on marriage that cannot ever be nuanced in light of developing exegesis within and approved by the church. It must be read in conjunction with "Mulieris Dignitatem" and "Letter to Women".
July 7, 2023
This encyclical just left a bad taste in my mouth… I understand Catholic teachings when it comes to marriage, but I think this went a step further and I am very put off by it (and Catholic marriage in regards to this teaching).
January 4, 2020
I'm not confident the translation is perfect. Hence 4 stars.
March 27, 2020
An essential read for enriching your understanding of Marriage.
October 8, 2021
Every single Catholic needs to read this. Every politician needs to read this. The effectiveness of the State depends on the family.
October 26, 2022
Timeless and prophetic
July 1, 2023
Great expansion on Pp Leo XIII’s encyclical, bringing to the forefront what has always been understood as the proper authority that the sacrament of marriage is subject to
February 16, 2025
Vraiment bien ! Même s'il y avait des choses que je savais déjà, c'était super intéressant. Il explique des points très importants sur le modernisme.
June 19, 2025
Extremely clear and refreshing
March 7, 2016
This is a fascinating encyclical on Christian marriage. One reviewer said that this should be required for marriage prep. I agree - and not just for Catholics, but any Christians looking to be married. It touches on deep issues like:
- Why divorce is considered wrong, when the sacramental union is still overall intact (that is, when there has been no abuse or anything else that would go against the vows).
- What it means for a wife to "subject" to the husband. Paragraphs 27 & 28 sum this up beautifully:
27. This subjection, however, does not deny or take away the liberty which fully belongs to the woman both in view of her dignity as a human person, and in view of her most noble office as wife and mother and companion; nor does it bid her obey her husband's every request if not in harmony with right reason or with the dignity due to wife; nor, in fine, does it imply that the wife should be put on a level with those persons who in law are called minors, to whom it is not customary to allow free exercise of their rights on account of their lack of mature judgment, or of their ignorance of human affairs. But it forbids that exaggerated liberty which cares not for the good of the family; it forbids that in this body which is the family, the heart be separated from the head to the great detriment of the whole body and the proximate danger of ruin. For if the man is the head, the woman is the heart, and as he occupies the chief place in ruling, so she may and ought to claim for herself the chief place in love.
28. Again, this subjection of wife to husband in its degree and manner may vary according to the different conditions of persons, place and time. In fact, if the husband neglect his duty, it falls to the wife to take his place in directing the family. But the structure of the family and its fundamental law, established and confirmed by God, must always and everywhere be maintained intact .
- The dangers of contraception to a spiritual bond.
- When a woman is considered sterile/barren, she is still in a sacramental union, even though many argue that the 'purpose of marriage is to produce children.' But if children don't/can't exist, then the purpose of marriage falls back to the utter basics - to love each other and be witnesses to God's word as a team.
- Why abortion is considered to be a heinous and murderous act.
- The necessity and urgency to properly teach children of the sanctity of marriage as well as what marriage entails so that they are prepared to be husbands and wives who share responsibilities, not only seeking out personal and selfish pleasures.
- The importance of ensuring the person you are marrying will help you to lead a Christian life and will not cause you to stray from the path of goodness.
- Why divorce is considered wrong, when the sacramental union is still overall intact (that is, when there has been no abuse or anything else that would go against the vows).
- What it means for a wife to "subject" to the husband. Paragraphs 27 & 28 sum this up beautifully:
27. This subjection, however, does not deny or take away the liberty which fully belongs to the woman both in view of her dignity as a human person, and in view of her most noble office as wife and mother and companion; nor does it bid her obey her husband's every request if not in harmony with right reason or with the dignity due to wife; nor, in fine, does it imply that the wife should be put on a level with those persons who in law are called minors, to whom it is not customary to allow free exercise of their rights on account of their lack of mature judgment, or of their ignorance of human affairs. But it forbids that exaggerated liberty which cares not for the good of the family; it forbids that in this body which is the family, the heart be separated from the head to the great detriment of the whole body and the proximate danger of ruin. For if the man is the head, the woman is the heart, and as he occupies the chief place in ruling, so she may and ought to claim for herself the chief place in love.
28. Again, this subjection of wife to husband in its degree and manner may vary according to the different conditions of persons, place and time. In fact, if the husband neglect his duty, it falls to the wife to take his place in directing the family. But the structure of the family and its fundamental law, established and confirmed by God, must always and everywhere be maintained intact .
- The dangers of contraception to a spiritual bond.
- When a woman is considered sterile/barren, she is still in a sacramental union, even though many argue that the 'purpose of marriage is to produce children.' But if children don't/can't exist, then the purpose of marriage falls back to the utter basics - to love each other and be witnesses to God's word as a team.
- Why abortion is considered to be a heinous and murderous act.
- The necessity and urgency to properly teach children of the sanctity of marriage as well as what marriage entails so that they are prepared to be husbands and wives who share responsibilities, not only seeking out personal and selfish pleasures.
- The importance of ensuring the person you are marrying will help you to lead a Christian life and will not cause you to stray from the path of goodness.
December 4, 2015
Čítal som v českom preklade. Je určite lepší ako Slovenský.
Encyklika je o kresťanskom manželstve.
Zo začiatku sa to čítalo ťažšie, jednak preto, že je to písané archaickým jazykom (napísané v roku 1930) a jednak preto, že sa to začína tou ťažšou, teologickou pasážou.
Som však veľmi rád, že tieto počiatočné problémy ma neodradili a dočítal som to zdarne do konca. Encyklika je veľmi dobre napísaná čo do obsahu i štruktúry, ktorá je jasne viditeľná vďaka čomu sa dá celkom ľahko pochopiť. Pápež v nej ukazuje 3 dobrá kresťanského manželstva- deti, vernosť a svätosť. Najprv ich charakterizuje, neskôr ukazuje ako na nich spoločnosť útočí a na záver dáva rady ako týmto útokom odolať.
Je priam neskutočné ako pápež už v roku 1930 dokázal predpokladať, čo nás v budúcnosti (teda dnes) čaká. Z tohto pohľadu sa jedná priam o prorocký dokument.
Tento text je veľmi dobrý do diskusie, pretože sa v ňom nachádza veľa tém (podriadenosť ženy mužovi, emancipácia žien, zmiešané manželstvá, mužov plat má stačiť na uživenie rodiny, žena by nemala pracovať...), ktoré môžeme dnes chápať ako kontroverzné.
Ďalšie témy, ktorým sa encyklika venuje sú potraty, sterilizácie, antikoncepcia, sexuálna morálka, rozvody a podobne. Všetko zaujímavé veci do diskusie.
V otázkach sexuality je lepšie pozrieť sa na novšie encykliky, či iné dokumenty cirkvi ako Humane Vitae, Teológia tela... no táto encyklika je super na sociálne otázky manželstva.
Encyklika je o kresťanskom manželstve.
Zo začiatku sa to čítalo ťažšie, jednak preto, že je to písané archaickým jazykom (napísané v roku 1930) a jednak preto, že sa to začína tou ťažšou, teologickou pasážou.
Som však veľmi rád, že tieto počiatočné problémy ma neodradili a dočítal som to zdarne do konca. Encyklika je veľmi dobre napísaná čo do obsahu i štruktúry, ktorá je jasne viditeľná vďaka čomu sa dá celkom ľahko pochopiť. Pápež v nej ukazuje 3 dobrá kresťanského manželstva- deti, vernosť a svätosť. Najprv ich charakterizuje, neskôr ukazuje ako na nich spoločnosť útočí a na záver dáva rady ako týmto útokom odolať.
Je priam neskutočné ako pápež už v roku 1930 dokázal predpokladať, čo nás v budúcnosti (teda dnes) čaká. Z tohto pohľadu sa jedná priam o prorocký dokument.
Tento text je veľmi dobrý do diskusie, pretože sa v ňom nachádza veľa tém (podriadenosť ženy mužovi, emancipácia žien, zmiešané manželstvá, mužov plat má stačiť na uživenie rodiny, žena by nemala pracovať...), ktoré môžeme dnes chápať ako kontroverzné.
Ďalšie témy, ktorým sa encyklika venuje sú potraty, sterilizácie, antikoncepcia, sexuálna morálka, rozvody a podobne. Všetko zaujímavé veci do diskusie.
V otázkach sexuality je lepšie pozrieť sa na novšie encykliky, či iné dokumenty cirkvi ako Humane Vitae, Teológia tela... no táto encyklika je super na sociálne otázky manželstva.
January 14, 2017
This is good to read again and again with other encyclicals like Mulieris and Humanae Vita. To read it is to be convicted of the prophetic not just in that simplified way in which most people use it but also in the larger sense. It is also to discover that the Augustinian words were no mere tissue of pretty words. (Its been said Benedict is also more Augustinian) Pause and ponder "conceived in love". I daily reflect how little I know of love and make common purpose with Margaret Redi to borrow some love.
April 26, 2013
Well, I'm not sure it's actually the first time I "read" it--I know I encountered it, and I probably read some if not all of it back in 2010, but it's the first reread since then anyway.
Also, it feels weird to review Papal Encyclicals...
Also, it feels weird to review Papal Encyclicals...
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