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Cardinal Justin Rigali calls for the National Theology of the Body Congress to become an on-going campaign of human and catechetical formation
Contact: Christine Schicker, 404-610-8871, CSchicker@MaximusMG.com
PHILADELPHIA, July 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- Joined by more than 50 priests and two Bishops, Cardinal Justin Rigali delivered a powerful call to action to attendees of the first National Theology of the Body Congress. He urged, "This Congress must not end. The contribution of the speakers and participants, the fruits of the seminars, discussions, and artistic performances must advance still further. This Congress must become a campaign of human and catechetical formation."
He called for the mining and proclamation of the rich content
presented at the Congress "so that the next generation can continue to access
and comprehend it."
The National Theology of the Body Congress organized and hosted by the
Theology of the Body Institute drew attendees from 10 countries and 39 U.S.
states. They represented 111 dioceses. Two bishops, more than 50 priests, six
deacons and dozens of other religious were among the more-than 450 attendees.
Because the Congress sold out very quickly the Theology of the Body Institute
offered live streaming during the Congress that attracted online attendees from
17 U.S. states, and 10 countries on five continents.
Cardinal Rigali, who also serves as the Episcopal Chairman of the Theology of
the Body Institute, remarked on the great work of this inaugural event, which he
noted as occurring exactly three decades after John Paul II introduced the
theology of the body. “Today, this First National Congress on the Theology of
the Body shows us that the catechesis given thirty years ago is now the
curriculum of the Culture of Life,” Cardinal Rigali said in his
homily during the Mass this morning. The Cardinal went on further to say
that the "teaching of John Paul II on the theology of the body must be further
introduced into Pre-Cana programs, RCIA instruction, Natural Family Planning
training, parish adult education programs, campus ministry programs, youth
groups, homilies, and religious education among children and adolescents."
The Congress included keynote addresses, workshops and panel discussions
featuring some of the most popular theology of the body lecturers and catechists
in the world.
"Being a participant at the
National Theology of the Body Congress has been a complete and total
blessing," Congress presenter and popular author and blogger Lisa Hendey said.
"I feel honored to have been here and will go home inspired about further
incorporating theology of the body teachings into my daily family life, my
parish community and my work in support of Catholic moms."
Other presenters included Fr. Brian Bransfield, executive director of the United
State Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Secretariat for Evangelization and
Catechesis; Dr. Michael Waldstein, the English translator of the Pope's Theology
of the Body; Helen M. Alvaré, law professor at George Mason University; Fr.
Robert M. Hogan, author of three books on the theology of the body and one of
the first published authors on the catechesis of Venerable Pope John Paul II;
ethicist and moral theologian Dr. Pia de Solenni; and many others.
Reflecting on the Cardinal's words, Theology of the Body Institute Chairman,
David Savage said, "The Cardinal's vision for this teaching fits completely
within the mission of the Theology of the Body Institute. This Congress was
designed to be a nexus for dialogue and discussion on exactly how we bring the
theology of the body to the world. I believe we accomplished that and I am
confident that the leadership who gathered here this week are going back to
their dioceses around the world with a great commission that fits firmly within
the Church's mission in the New Evangelization."
In addition to more than three-dozen addresses, workshops and panel discussions,
the Congress was the setting for an Awards Banquet, in which five honorees were
acknowledged for their pioneering work in the theology of the body. Award
recipients included Pauline Books and Media, Fr. Richard M. Hogan, Ann and
Valentine Coelho; the Ruah Woods Education Center, and the Theology of the Body
International Alliance.
For more information on the first National Theology of the Body Congress or the
Theology of the Body Institute, please contact Christine Schicker with The
Maximus Group at 404-610-8871.