For many people today, practical atheism is the normal rule of life...If this attitude becomes a general existential position, then freedom no longer has any standards, then everyting is possible and permissible.
Certainly, it is difficult to make the demands of the Gospel understandable to secularized people. But this pastoral difficulty must not lead to compromises with the truth.
“If you believe what you like in the Gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.”
A civilization inspired by a consumerist, anti-birth mentality is not and cannot ever be a civilization of love.
“What is perfection in love? Love your enemies in such a way that you would desire to make them your brothers … For so did He love, Who hanging on the Cross, said ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” (Luke 23:34)
An unusually good entry on the Catholic Herald entitled "Why Catholics should defend indulgences" gives a good account on indulgences.
It is a very good explanation on why they are a good that should not only be defended but promoted, and shows that it is entirely in line with Christian apostolic tradition.
Distinctions Matter
Distinctions Matter Forward
Missale Romanum
Pre-1951 Calendar