MARRIAGE - PREPARATION COURSE

ELEVENTH LESSON

Masculine and Feminine Anatomy and Physiology

The following pages contain truths that are most delicate and sacred; great prudence should be used in discussing them.

I. INTRODUCTION

As a result of the attentive study and reflection that you have given to the first ten lessons of this Course, some of the dignity, the beauty, and the grandeur of the Sacrament of Matrimony must now be much more readily apparent to you. In the same way, you will have come to appreciate more deeply the profound respect with which this present lesson must be approached in your thoughts and conver­sations.

In this eleventh lesson, we shall discuss certain topics that are usually referred to as “delicate.” When considered from God’s point of view, and studied in the pure, clear light of faith, we see these matters as replete with beauty and dignity and purpose ... a magnificent gift granted by God to man! In His Divine Plan, God wishes the husband and wife to be the noble instruments that cooperate with Him in the procreation of human beings, thereby preparing more chosen ones to share His happiness throughout eternity. For this purpose He shares His own creative power with the husband and wife in the glorious calling that is marriage. On the other hand, what a terrible responsibility they assume who refuse birth to those on whom God counts to fill His heaven! From our own human experience, we know that when an instrument becomes useless, we cast it aside. But we too are only instruments in God’s hands and, if as instruments we refuse to fulfil our purpose, do we not also deserve to be cast aside? We are God’s instruments and our bodies as well as our souls are to be used for His purposes: “Know you not that your members are the temple of the Holy Ghost, who is in you, whom you have from God; and you are not your own?”

It is with this realization that we enter upon the study of the following subjects. We must keep constantly in mind that the human body is God’s creation, that He created each and every part of it, and did so for a specific purpose. Considered then according to God’s Plan, the study of the reproductive organs, instead of provoking evil thoughts, should rather elevate our minds and hearts to God. As St. Clement of Alexandria clearly states: “We should not be ashamed to name that which God has not been ashamed to create.”

Mention of sex frightens some, unnerves others, dI d leads many into temptation. All too frequently, its real meaning has been distorted by false teaching as we well know from our encounters with the stories of savages, storks, etc., that are told to children. In many cases, these stories leave on the minds of these children an impression of shame, chagrin, anguish, enjoyment, and guilt, as they gradually make the discovery of their body.

As a safeguard against over-emphasis in the study of sex, we must never forget the fact that original sin and its consequences do exist. This must be kept constantly in mind, more especially by the young. In considering things pertaining to sex, even when done in the search for know­ledge, there is a very real danger of impurity of thought. Purity of heart must therefore be sought above all. “To the pure of heart, all is pure,” said St. Theresa, and this applies equally to the study of the reproductive organs. St Thomas goes so far as to state that virtue may be found in the study of this subject, and it is with this attitude that we should undertake our study of this lesson. Later, at the proper time and in language suitable to their age, this attitude should still be your own guide in the education of your children to the wonders of their reproductive organs.

To maintain this high level, we must remember that by the Sacrament of Baptism our bodies have been conse­crated to God; that Jesus Christ, through His priest, has traced on our forehead, our shoulders, and on our chest, with sacred unction the form of the cross similar to that traced by the bishop on the chalices he consecrates. Since our bodies have thus become bodies consecrated to God by a consecration that nothing can remove, so have we become living ciboria! And who would even consider using a ciborium for any gross, ignoble purpose! In all our thoughts and desires, in all our words and actions, we should therefore maintain a profound respect for the human body.

This profound respect should permeate our study of this beautiful subject. We should carefully preserve this respect during the happy days of courtship, and foster the further development of this attitude towards the one whom we expect to many in the near future. May this present study elevate your mind and heart to God, and give you a clearer understanding of your future role in marriage. This role carries with it eternal consequences for you, for your husband (or wife), and for all the children that God demands of you to share His eternal happiness. Now is the accep­table time for you to consider in all its grandeur and its sublimity the state you are about to embrace ... a calling for those of generous heart. In its fulfilment, God’s help and strength will be ever with you.

A study of the anatomy and physiology of the reproduc­tive organs will give us a clearer understanding of the reason for the existence of the two sexes. Hence, this lesson, compiled by a doctor and a physiologist, will be a summary study: it will consist in a brief description of each organ and its principal functions. We have named this eleventh lesson Anatomy and Physiology. Anatomy is the study of the structure of the organs of the human body; physiology is the study of the functions of these organs.

During infancy, the functions of reproduction are non­existent or inactive. It is then a state of virginity, corporal virginity as well as moral. If corporal virginity at an older age is more meritorious than marriage (Council of Trent), it must also be affirmed that the Church considers the marriage state as excellent and holy. On the other hand, as we shall explain, “chastity between married couples does exist and is necessary.” (St. Francis de Sales)

“Nevertheless, it is undeniable that since the time when Adam and Eve acquired knowledge of good and evil, man has attributed to the reproductive organs ideas other than those of procreation.” (Dr. Bon) Many people believe falsely that they give proof of great sanctity by being scandalized when the subject of sex is mentioned honestly and purely, even though St. Paul considered the entire body as the temple of the Holy Ghost. (“Know you not that your members are the temples of the Holy Ghost, Who is in you, Whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”) At the other extreme, how many an ambiguous conversation, how many a lewd and obscene discussion revolves around the sex organs! In how many homes does false shame prevent the parents from instructing their children at the proper time concerning the mysteries of their sex!

More and more, however, as we consider this subject in a Christian manner, it amazes us to see how marvellously God has made man and woman to produce the master-piece of the universe: the child. We should be justifiably proud of our resemblance to the Father of Heaven, the only true Father to whom we owe all our talents.

And what lofty language can adequately describe the motherhood that reaches its perfection in Mary, the Immaculate!

It is therefore with an attitude of self-respect and with calm, serene dispositions that we must study questions relating to sex. Instead of regarding sex as something ugly, to be spoken of in hushed tones or mocking voice, rather let us see as a gift from God this power by which you can transmit life and also the characteristics of your own soul and body to another being.

As we have explained in previous lessons, the dif­ferences between man and woman are not restricted to the physical features of their sex, i.e. to the genitals. These differences extend over the entire range of all physical and spiritual activities. One is masculine or feminine in all one’s soul and body, in all one’s psychology. Sex, in a sense, influences the entire being ... all manifestations of life, of the heart, the intelligence, are masculine in the man, and feminine in the woman! You should, conse­quently, appreciate fully all the perfection, beauty, power, intelligence, and love characteristic of your sex. Particu­larly should you formulate correct ideas and correct attitudes concerning your sexual organs.

II. REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE FEMALE

Almost all the female sexual organs are located in the interior of the body. Those of the male, as we shall see further on, are partly interior and partly exterior to the body. We shall not, at this time, describe the external genital organs of the female since their role is secondary and of little importance to the subject that we are considering in this lesson. (The breasts and other external organs will be considered in the next lesson which deals with relations between husband and wife, etc.)

As a starting point, a knowledge of the divisions of the body is important. The trunk of the human body is divided into three cavities

a) the superior or thoracic cavity, enclosing the heart and the lungs;

b) the central or abdominal cavity, enclosing the
organs of nutrition: stomach, liver, intestines, etc.;

c) the inferior or pelvic cavity, containing two organs of elimination (the bladder and the rectum), and the organs of reproduction (the sex organs).

In the depression between the rectum and the bladder is found the opening that leads to the reproductive organs. This opening consists of a muscular tube called the vagina, about 3 inches long and extending to the neck of the womb (technically called the uterus). Its purpose is to facilitate copulation (union) and to receive the male seed (also called semen, or sperm). Through it passes the menstrual flow, and through it the child is born. Let us remark at this point, that the great elasticity of the vagina permits without much danger the distension necessary to permit the passage of the child at birth. The importance of the vagina can be measured by the fact that its absence would render a marriage invalid.

The womb (uterus) is a small, hollow organ formed of smooth, strong, muscular tissue. It is lined by mucous mem­brane (a mucous membrane is a membrane that is constant­ly moist; we speak in the same sense of the mucous lining of the mouth, nose, throat, etc.) It is in this small chamber that the baby is destined to live for three-quarters of a year. Before pregnancy, the womb is about the size and shape of a pear. It is three inches long, two inches wide, and one inch in depth. It is suspended with the narrow portion hanging downwards, and is connected with the surrounding structures and walls of the pelvis by means of broad, round ligaments. These ligaments are elastic, thus permitting the womb to pass from the pelvic into the abdominal cavity during the progress of pregnancy for, as the fetus (the as-yet-­unborn child) grows, more space becomes necessary. The strong, muscular texture of the womb plays an important role in the expulsion of the child at birth. Its mucous lining is destined to receive the fertilized ovum, and lodge and nourish it until it matures. It is also this mucous membrane that gives rise to the menstrual cycle which will be de­scribed later.

Attached to the back of the broad ligaments that connect the womb with the pelvic walls are the ovaries: two small, flattened, almond-shaped organs. They consist of numerous capsules, called Graffian Follicles, in which are lodged the unfertilized human eggs (ova). Each ovary contains a multitude of very small eggs, so minute as to be almost imperceptible without the aid of a microscope.

OVULATION

During a girl’s early years, these eggs are inactive but, sometime between the ages of eleven and seventeen, the ovaries mature and the Graffian Follicles become active. (These variations in the age are due largely to geographical, climatic, racial conditions, etc. The average is about the 13th or 14th year.) This activity of the Graffian Follicles brings about the first ovulation period, a phenomenon that recurs monthly (about every 28 days) thereafter. At this time each month, a follicle swells and breaks, releasing the egg which it contains and which has attained a certain stage of development. After the discharge of the egg, the ruptured follicle fills with blood and then becomes transformed into a yellow mass (called the corpus luteum). The activity of this yellow mass is of a very special nature; it differs according to whether or not the eqg has been fertilized. At this time also, the mucous membrane of the womb undergoes an important transformation; the blood vessels enlarge, and in this way an alimentary reserve is built up there. Meanwhile, threadlike vibrators (called cilia) which line the Fallopian Tube (a tube about four inches long), by their vibrations cause the egg to move forward, through the tube, from the ovary to the womb. (There are two such Fallopian Tubes, one for each ovary.) If, during the egg’s progress through the tube, it is fertilized by the seed of the father, it lodges normally in the womb; otherwise, it leaves the womb and escapes via the vagina at the time of the menstrual flow.

Thus, the principal reproductive organs of the female are: the ovaries (producers of the egg); the Fallopian Tubes through which the egg passes to the womb; it is in the womb that the child to be born is formed; the vagina into which the male organ, the penis, penetrates in order to deposit the fertilizing seed. It is through the vagina also that the child passes at birth.

MENSTRUATION

Menstruation is an important phenome­non that, except during pregnancy and sometimes even then, occurs regularly as an aftermath of ovulation. Let us study this with particular care since the life of the female is considerably affected by this normal monthly occurrence. If the egg was not fertilized at the time of ovulation, all the preparation that took place then was in vain. The top layer of the mucous membrane therefore falls into shreds, rupturing the very small blood vessels and thus giving rise to the menstrual flow (also called menstruation, from the word, menstrual: monthly) which occurs about 14-16 days after ovulation. For three or four days, the discharge of blood from the ruptured blood vessels passes out through the vagina. We repeat: This is a normal monthly occurrence. It should provoke no fear or wondering even though, during this time, the breasts enlarge and frequently cause painful and unusual sensations.

Quite often, young girls who have not been forewarned about this phenomenon of menstruation, are frightened and imagine that they have some terrible disease when they notice this flow of blood. If they have no mother to whom they can turn, no close friend to whom they can speak frankly, they will try to stop the flow by means which may have very serious results; they may try washing the parts with cold water and thereby cause chilling and perhaps sickness.

On the other hand, the young girl who has been intelligently instructed as to what to expect, will realize that she has merely reached the age of puberty, or the time in life when she can become a mother. Menstruation means simply that the sex organs have developed sufficiently to accomplish their particular function. They still need further maturing, however, before they attain their complete development.

Despite the fact that it does impose certain undeniable inconveniences, menstruation should not be regarded as an obstacle to happiness. Although it is frequently accom­panied by some pain the periodic return of which may in­terfere with the young woman’s programme of activities, nevertheless, realizing the benefits of this phenomenon, she will thank God for having given her this sign that she is capable of becoming a mother. She will thank Him also for this proof that she will be perfectly feminine with all the perfections characteristic of her sex. “Oh, why am I not like other girls!” was the woeful exclamation of one young woman who by a freak of nature had been deprived of the reproductive organs. “I hear others complaining about their ‘periods’, but I am sure that if they were in my position, without any hope of one day having a home and children, they would never utter another complaint.” (Case cited to Dr. M. W. Allen, a woman doctor)

Menstruation is a physiological phenomenon that should take place without pain. It is a fact nonetheless that most civilized women suffer to some extent from fatigue and malaise; some even endure excruciating pain. Usually, the cause can be traced to some defect of clothing, diet, or personal or social habits of the woman. Certain corsets or girdles, for example, are poorly adapted to the internal organs, which are thereby compressed and displaced. The diaphragm and the contents of the abdominal cavity are pressed down and interfere with the circulation of the blood in its return to the heart. Fresh air, moderate work, regular recreation, a medical consultation when unaccustomed discomfort occurs, will result in normal menstrual periods. In places where life is regulated by natural laws, these functions peculiar to the feminine sex are undergone without pain. It is not normal for woman to suffer because of her sex!

We have devoted some space to the explanation of the menstrual phenomenon because of its importance in understanding feminine psychology. It is essential for future mothers to realize that they must be prepared to explain the “mysteries” of this subject to their daughters, who have a right to know. How helpful it would be if mothers were to answer, delicately but clearly, their daughters’ questions on this subject. Unhappily, too many a mother imagines that her children will learn by themselves the fundamental laws of life. Too many a growing girl lacking some one to prepare her for the difficulties she will have to face, and being left to solve them unaided, has taken the wrong path. On the other hand, the mother who at the right time enlightens her daughter on this subject saves her child much needless worry, unhealthy curiosity, and particularly the wrong kind of information picked up in the street or elsewhere from frivolous or misinformed, and sometimes, malicious companions.

In the case of married people, the husband should strive to realize the fact that the menstrual cycle can at times be very distressing to his wife: hot flashes, nervousness, un­cer;ain temper, a feeling of heaviness in the limbs, fatigue after the least exertion, irregular and sometimes odd appe­tite, sudden fears, etc. We say “at times” because normally this period should not cause any disturbance to the orga­nism. Menstruation, as has been explained above, lasts from three to five days for a woman in normal health, and should be painless. The amount of blood lost in no way affects the constitution. Every woman should, however, take care of herself. Cleanliness, the first condition of physical and moral well-being, is the best protection and remedy. A simple, easy procedure to follow, cleanliness insures good health and the respect of the husband who, in turn, must remember that during these periods the woman requires rest, relaxation of all the other organs also: head, heart, muscles, etc. It need not be total rest but rather one consisting in abstinence from all excesses, working less than usual, taking less exercise, particularly no dancing. On the other hand, we draw attention to the fact that over-eating and lack of exercise are the usual causes of the temporary interruption of the menstrual flow. Stoppage or irregularity of the menstrual period affects the entire system; it may have! disastrous consequences both for the body (exhaustion, nose bleed, etc.) and for the mind (epilepsy, hysteria).

May the future wife resolve therefore to be prudent in this respect, and strive to maintain a calm disposition. May she also well understand that the day will come when she will be called upon to explain this subject to her daughters. May her children never be ill at ease or embarrassed by abuse of the confidences they may entrust to her! And finally, may the future husband resolve to help his wife by an understanding and appreciation of her condition.

III. REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE MALE

Reduced to its simplest terms, the male genital system is composed of 1) a double gland, the testicles, where the seed (semen, sperm) is produced; 2) a series of spermatic canals (spermatic: from sperm: seed), (epididymis, deferent canal, ejaculatory canal, and urethra) which conduct the seed to the exterior; 3) the penis: the organ of union in sexual relations.

Fundamentally, the reproductive organs of the male are those which produce the fertilizing liquid called seed, carry it to the exterior of the body and deposit it in the vagina of the female. To these fundamental male organs are added a few accessory ones: 1) the prostate gland and the Cowper gland, the secretions of which dilute the seed; 2) the seminal vesicle, a small internal sack in which the seed accumulates. (seminal: from semen: seed)

With the exception of the prostate gland and the penis, all these organs are in pairs. Let us study them in a little more detail:

1) The testicles: The testicles consist of two glands each having the shape and dimensions of a small egg slightly compressed on one side. These two glands consist of a number of little sacs bound together to form one sack which is suspended outside the body between the penis and the rectum. Each testicle is divided into about 250 sections made up of numerous canals of which 9/10 is filled with a thick fluid. This thick fluid consists of the fertilizer called spermatozoid (from sperm: seed, and zoe life). Without this fertilizing element the procreation of children s utterly impossible. The testicles are therefore indispensable for procreation.

2) The canals: The seed produced by the testicles is conducted to the outside by means of canals. The first of these (the epididymis), is greatly coiled, and is about 20 feet long. It leads to another canal, the ductus deferens, which is 16 inches long. This, in turn, enlarges to form what is called the ampulla. The canal again becomes a narrow tube and continues as the ejaculatory duct which leads to the urethra and the outside.

The urethra is the last part of the spermatic canal. It is found principally outside the body within the penis. The urethra is surrounded by a sponge-like substance and by another substance cavernous in structure. These form a cylindrical organ which is called the phallus or penis. This urethral canal also serves to convey the urine coming from the bladder (situated in the interior of the body at the base of the pelvic cavity). The ampulla is normally closed on the urethral side. However, at the moment that the seed is dscharged into the urethra, the passage from the bladder automatically closes through involuntary contractions of certain muscles, thus holding the urine back. Consequently, because of this wonderful phenomenon, the urethra cannot carry seed and urine at the same time.

3) The penis: The penis is the organ essential to the marriage act (also called union, coitus, or copulation). The existence of the penis is absolutely necessary for the validity oi: a marriage. At the free end of the penis there is an enlarged, cone-shaped structure called the glares penis. At its tip is a tiny opening which permits the passage of urine or seed to the outside. This cone-shaped structure or glans is the most sensitive part of the male genital organs. When stimulated, blood fills the vessels of the penis which thereby becomes enlarged. This is called erection. Erection, if stimulation continues, is followed in turn by ejaculation or expulsion of the seed to the exterior.

The glans penis is almost completely enclosed in a fold of skin called the prepuce. When the prepuce encloses the gland too tightly, the doctor circumcises in order to prevent difficulty in urinating and to facilitate sexual relations in marriage. (Circumcision is a minor operation. It consists in the removal of all or part of the prepuce, thus exposing the gland.) Circumcision is particularly advisable, especially in warm climates. Cleanliness was also one of the reasons for its practice among the Jews.

1) EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MALE ORGANS

At puberty (13 to 15 years of age), the testicles enlarge and the spermatic secretions begin to be produced. Secondary sexual characteristics make their appearance: the boy takes on the marks of manhood ... change in voice, distribution of hair on his body, etc. In his entire physical being he senses the vague aspirations of the awakening sexual instinct.

Before this stage in his development, the passing of seed is possible but it is only at and after puberty that this seed has a chance of being really fertile. During this period, voluntary emissions of seed can result in a weakness prejudicial to health. It must be stressed, however, that the accumulation of seed in the interior of the organism does not have the disastrous results that some doctors would have us believe. As a matter of fact, nature herself makes provision for this situation: From time to time, an automatic discharge occurs, sometimes following a prolonged involuntary erection but more frequently during sleep. This latter phenomenon is called “nocturnal pollution” or “wet dream.” It is merely that a large quantity of seed has accumulated which then overflows in this automatic discharge.

A note here to parents: At first, the boy himself may be puzzled by this pollution and is unaware, on awakening, as to what has caused it. About this time, a word from the parents explaining simply, casually, that it is a normal condition for boys of that age, that it is a sign of good health, and that it is no matter for self-reproach or wondering, would do much to relieve his surprise and dispel his anxious curiosity. (To avoid embarrassing him, keep instructions as much as possible in the 3rd person in order to be objective. He himself will apply the knowledge to his own case.)

At this stage, when the sexual instinct is developing, it is important that the parents instruct the maturing boy and girl as to the real meaning of his masculinity or her femi­ninity, and of their genital organs. Boys and girls must not be left to themselves to obtain this information from such dubious sources as unhealthy conversations, books, trashy magazines, illegitimate curiosities, lascivious pictures and movies. If we do not wish to see these awakening instincts degraded by the search for selfish gratifications, youth must be convinced of the importance and responsibilities of sex as soon as they become aware of such matters. They must be taught that the functioning and use of their genital organs must be considered in the light of their high purpose.

“According to God’s Plan, the father and mother must share in the production of a human body. That is why certain parts of a man’s body are different from those of a woman’s body. The parts that are different are called sexual parts. In man and in woman these parts contain the seed of life. It is by their uniting that the two seeds join together into one and grow into the body of a child. (N. B. to parents: Actually, there is only the seed of the male. In the female, it is an egg. Here, however, we call them “two seeds,” adapting our language to the mentality of the child. Possibly, you will find it more easy in your particular case to explain it as the union of the male seed with the female egg.) To do this, it is necessary that parents join their bodies in a very intimate manner. Because God intends the body to be the instrument that He uses to create more children, we must therefore have a very great respect for our body, and love it and give it the care it requires. We must be careful not to injure our health through thoughtlessness. To stain one’s soul and body by impw-ity is an especially serious thing to do. Don’t do it! Don’t be a sissy! On the contrary, be clean and manly (womanly) in order to become like Jesus, the Model of all recd men, and to enjoy and keep His friendship (in order to become like Mary most pure, Jesus’ Mother, the model of all women).”

An additional word here to parents about training their children:in purity: Since the mind is the spring-board of all our words, our conversations, and our actions, it is essential that we take what steps we can to ensure that the minds of children be trained to spiritual things from their early days: “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Consequently, since the eye is made to see, and the ear is made to hear, we urge that the furnishings oof your home will exclude any pictures suggestive of impurity (no matter how artistic) and will include many and beautiful holy pictures in order to trace their silent pattern on the minds and hearts of your children. Let your conversations in their presence be frequently of God, stressing the positive characteristics of His love, His providence, His patience, kindness, etc. Let the Family Rosary and Mass and[ Communion together, regularly and often, be the binding force of your family life. These are keynotes in the parents’ duty of procreation AND EDUCATION of children. Faithfully observed, they will do much to prepare your young ones to overcome the paganized world into which they must step.

IV. THE ROLE OF PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PURITY

Without a pure heart, the foregoing explanation of the Divine Plan concerning sex cannot be clearly understood. For this reason we introduce at this point some remarks on the social and personal role of purity with regard to the reproductive organs.

Chastity, virginity, continence, innocence ... all are terms concerning purity or cleanliness. Purity, the most usual term, adorns the entire being, the will, the intellect, the senses, the sexual appetites. Chastity designates, in particular, the virtue which causes one to observe, despite temptations, the rules laid down by his (her) state with regard to the reproductive function. Chastity in virgins who for higher motives have resolved to abstain from all use of their reproductive organs, is what is called real virginity. In bachelors or in widowers, chastity is called continence. Continence consists for them in the voluntary non-use of the generative functions. In Marriage chastity consists in moderate sexual relationship, relationship directed and regulated by love and hence far superior to uncontrolled submission to the demands of instinct. As for innocence, it is a state of purity united to a lack of personal experience of evil; it is common to children and to souls who by their purity of heart merit to “become as little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” innocence can therefore be encountered in all conditions of life.

In the following pages, we shall deal only with the chastity proper to those preparing for marriage. Conjugal chastity will be discussed at the end of the next lesson.

1) THE ROLE OF PERSONAL PURITY

A chaste young man, a pure young woman ... Therein lies the promise of a marriage that will be happy, fruitful, and blessed by God. Such will be your case if you develop now a deep respect for the sexual organs and a just and true appreciation of the motives that urge you to enter the holy state of marriage. The sex instinct must be ruled by an affection which sublimates it, by an affection which elevates both of you up to God since it has its beginning in and from God, and should tend towards Him.

What a disorder it is then to permit before marriage the marks of affection which should be reserved solely for married couples! How disastrous a future is prepared by him who in a solitary manner performs the act intended to be accomplished by the union of the bodies, thereby spilling into the void the very glow of his being! How tragic, too, for non-married persons to engage in culpable reciprocal gratifications, the memory of which will return to plague and taunt them and diminish the mutual respect they should have for each other!

If, therefore, you wish not to profane the treasures of life deposited by God in your reproductive organs, ... if you, a future wife, wish to become not merely “an instrument of pleasure,”... if you, a future husband, desire more than a “love smothered by disgust,”... you must nurture in your hearts a true ardour for purity; you must have high esteem for chastity.

Do not delude yourselves though: Good intentions have caused many a failure and, unless you take the necessary steps to protect your purity, you will find yourselves among these failures. Prolonged tete-a-tetes, liberties that you would not consider taking in the presence of parents, can very easily lead to impurity, and must be rigorously avoided.

The sexual instinct is often very easily stimulated by simple sexual impressions: the external features of one of the opposite sex, hair, eyes, face, voice, can be strong sexual stimulants. Moral strength and almost constant attention and self-control are necessary these days to resist the urgings of passion.

This moral strength is possible when you seek to establish in your heart a real love, a true friendship surpassing that of the sexual instinct; this moral strength is essential if you desire a fatherhood that is worthy, pure and fruitful, a motherhood that is happy, devoted, holy.

As a general rule, a chaste young woman has no suspicion of the active masculine passion that ordinarily animates all young men. Never having experienced anything of a similar nature herself, she becomes attached to a young man to love him and to be loved, to find in him a protector, a supporter, a defender, without having the least realization of the passionate instinct that is implanted in the young man. Every young woman by her posture, therefore, by her actions, by her ideals, should strive to elevate to her own moral standard the young man she loves. The young man, on his part, if pure or desirous of becoming so, asks no more than to be attracted to a pure and noble woman; he feels only admiration for the young woman whom he recognizes as being all she should be.

The role of purity is truly admirable. It is a factor that contributes not only to the union of the bodies but of the souls as well. “Being chaste is not renouncing love but, on the contrary, placing oneself in a position to know love on its, highest level.” (Dr. Esconde)

2) THE ROLE OF SOCIAL PURITY

But, you may say, young people with such ideals are rare! This may be so but much less so than you believe. Have you ever considered that purity is highly contagious! Be chaste. Tell others of the joy and peace that you have experienced in meeting a young man or woman who is. Respect and induce others to respect the things that pertain to sex; appreciate them yourself as gifts from God, instruments of God, and you will see purity shining in all around you.

Objections will be raised: “The sex instinct is irresistible.” “Chastity endangers the health.” “Always being on guard is hard on the nerves.” etc. As a matter of fact, all conscientious doctors declare to the contrary that “no illness caused directly by continence has ever been observed.” On the other hand, much could be explained of the many illnesses caused by incontinence! One doctor, Dr. Jacobson, summing up the answers of 30 eminent physicians to a questionnaire as to whether continence could be considered as injurious, stated the following: “If our young people would practise continence and avoid intercourse before marriage, they would realize their high ideal of love and would free themselves from the danger of contracting venereal diseases.”

May you, therefore, understand the apostolate of purity which is particularly yours. Pray to the Blessed Virgin to place in the hearts of all young women a special desire to resemble the Mother of mothers, and in the hearts of all young men a profound attitude of respect towards all young women because of their sweet Mother above.