March’s Safe Haven Sunday emphasizes authentic love instead of porn’s illusions

By Jake Samour

We are all created with a deep desire for authentic love and to receive selfless love from others. While only God fully satisfies this longing in the human heart, marriage offers a glimpse of His love. However, pornography distorts this call to love, isolating rather than connecting us. It changes how we see others, reducing them to objects of gratification, and slowly erodes real relationships.

On the first Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025, the Diocese of Wichita will once again observe Safe Haven Sunday, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of pornography and equipping families to protect their homes.

A danger to our children
Many parents believe, “This won’t happen to my child,” but studies show that most young men and many young women encounter pornography before adulthood, often around age 14 or 15. With smartphones and internet access, exposure is easier than ever, shaping young minds before they fully understand love and relationships.

Pornography creates unrealistic expectations and can lead to shame, secrecy, and addiction. It rewires the brain like a drug, making real intimacy harder to experience. Instead of learning self-giving love, youth are conditioned toward self-gratification, damaging their future relationships.

The effects of pornography extend into marriage, often leading to broken trust and emotional detachment. Studies show that pornography use is linked to higher rates of infidelity and divorce. Instead of fostering commitment and respect, it promotes self-centered desires.

The path to freedom
We are called to love with integrity – mind, body, and soul. Pornography enslaves, but true freedom is found in God’s plan for love. Healing is possible through accountability, grace, and a commitment to purity. As we break free from the illusions that distort love, we open our hearts to the joy and beauty of authentic love.

This Safe Haven Sunday, let us take steps to protect our families and restore authentic love in our homes. For resources and support, please visit https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/safe-haven/.

Samour is director of the Diocese of Wichita’s Office of Marriage and Family Life.