The Beatification of Pope Paul VI

On the figurative eve of the beatification of our namesake, the late Pope Paul VI, I have some very exciting news. I have just been informed that I will be designated as the reader of the English language petition of the Prayers of the Faithful at the Beatification Mass of Pope Paul VI! This is truly an honor — I never imagined, when I first read his historic encyclical letter Humanae Vitae in 1968, that I would be someday be a part of this great man’s legacy. He was such a staunch defender of the faith, and the courage he demonstrated continues to serve as a source of inspiration to both the Institute and to me personally.

When I first read Humanae Vitae, I was a senior medical student attending the University of Minnesota, and Pope Paul VI’s words struck a real chord with me, both as a Catholic and as a soon-to-be member of the medical profession. In the letter, he appealed directly to doctors and healthcare professionals to “pursue only those solutions that are in accord with faith and right reason.” This compelled me initially to conduct research on reproductive health care solutions, which led to the development of our two breakthrough reproductive technologies of NaProTECHNOLOGY and the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, and later leading to the establishment of the Pope Paul VI Institute.

Together, we have made tremendous strides since we were founded, but we still have a lot of work left to do. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we work to bring the Culture of Life in women’s healthcare to couples and families around the world.

May God bless you in a very special way,

Thomas W. Hilgers, MD
Director of the Pope Paul VI Institute
Developer of NaProTECHNOLOGY