PHILADELPHIA, July 30 – 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.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 30 – On Thursday night in Philadelphia, the Theology of the Body Institute recognized a group of five organizations and individuals for pioneering work in the advancement of the teachings of Venerable Pope John Paul II on human sexuality. During the awards banquet at the first National Theology of the Body Congress, the Institute presented the 2010 Theology of the Body Institute Awards for Distinguished Achievement to educators Valentine and Ann Coelho, of Goa, India; Fr. Richard M. Hogan, pastor of the Church of St. Raphael, in Crystal, Minn; the Daughters of St. Paul, of Boston, Mass.; the Theology of the Body International Alliance, of San Antonio, Texas; and Ruah Woods, an education center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“As we prepared for this first National Theology of the Body Congress, the planning committee and the Theology of the Body Institute Board felt it was important to recognize organizations and men and women who have been pioneers in the advancement of the teaching of the Theology of the Body,” said Institute Chairman of the Board David Savage.

“The decisions were not easy for this first year,” Savage added. “But each of the recipients have been true trailblazers – in ways unique to their individual and organizational missions – in promoting and helping others understand the Theology of the Body. We are thrilled to recognize them for their miraculous work in advancing the Theology of the Body throughout the world.”

The winners of the 2010 Theology of the Body Institute Awards for Distinguished Achievement include:

The Daughters of St. Paul, Boston, Mass. – From 1981 through 1986, the sisters published four collections of John Paul II’s weekly Wednesday teachings, as originally reported in L’Osservatore Romano, the official Vatican newspaper. For almost a decade, this collection was the definitive reference for Theology of the Body teachings. In 1997, Pauline Media and Books – the order’s publishing arm – combined the books into one volume: “The Theology of the Body – Human Love in the Divine Plan.” That landmark edition marks the first use of “Theology of the Body” for John Paul II’s teachings. Today, the Pauline catalog includes more than a dozen volumes relating to the Theology of the Body. The Daughters were recognized for this truly visionary contribution to the Church.

Fr. Richard M. Hogan, Crystal, Minn. – Fr. Hogan was a second-year seminarian when Venerable Pope John Paul II began his series of 129 weekly talks, which collectively are the Theology of the Body. He became one of the first authors to publish work on the teachings. His first piece appeared as early as December, 1981 in the inaugural issue of Fidelity Magazine. Father then went on to co-author “Covenant of Love: Pope John Paul II on Sexuality, Marriage, and Family in the Modern World,” with former classmate, now-bishop of New Ulm, Minn., Bishop John M. LeVoir. Many believe this book was the first to popularize the Theology of the Body teaching for a general audience. Over the past 29 years, he has continued to write, teach and speak on the Theology of the Body. His latest book is “Theology of the Body: What It Means, Why It Matters.”

Theology of the Body International Alliance (TOBIA), San Antonia, Texas – Texas native Anastasia Northrop and other leaders around the country formed TOBIA in 2003 as a vehicle to provide TOB resources to everyone interested in the teaching. TOBIA currently has more than 500 members in 40 states and 25 countries. Members are involved in both studying the works of John Paul II and implementing his thought and theology into various areas of life including ministry with engaged couples, young adults, teens, pro-life work, street evangelization and more TOBIA was recognized for its pioneering and ongoing work in networking and supporting ministries around the world through its providing of TOB resources, and for their early and continued leadership in sponsoring national forums and conferences to spread the Theology of the Body throughout the United States.

Ruah Woods, Cincinnati, Ohio – Ruah Woods is an education center focusing on the Theology of the Body that opened in 2009. It is an independent lay initiative, but has received strong support from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. In less than two years, Ruah Woods has trained approximately 400 students to teach the Theology of the Body in their dioceses and parishes. A new initiative at the center is gearing up to offer Theology of the Body for Teens training to teachers – and mentorship to students – in Catholic high schools throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Ruah Woods was recognized for its leadership in providing comprehensive and consistent delivery of Theology of the Body training programs in a diocesan community.

Valentine and Ann Coelho, Goa, India – After listening to a tape about the Theology of the Body 10 years ago, the Coelhos began learning all they could about the teaching, and sharing that knowledge throughout their native India. They have presented seminars to Indian priests, nuns, seminarians, doctors, youth and college groups, and couples at Engaged Encounter and Marriage Encounter weekends. Married for 25 years with five children, the Coelhos were recognized for their tireless efforts to spread the Theology of the Body throughout India.

For more information on the 2010 Theology of the Body Institute Awards for Distinguished Achievement or 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.

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Live-streaming of the Congress’ key presentations is available for only $79! Register here for Online Access!

This is a great lineup of some of the most well-known experts on Theology of the Body, the landmark teaching of Venerable Pope John Paul II.

Among the 450 attendees are 42 priests, 16 sisters and five deacons. Thirty-five U.S. states and 10 countries are represented. This Congress has truly attracted worldwide attention and response.

This live-streaming option is sponsored by our friends at MyCatholicVoice, and it’s designed and intended to give you opportunities to watch this memorable Congress live with:

* Your parish’s Theology of the Body group
* Your university or college enrichment group
* Your parish’s religious education or faith formation groups
* Other members of your parish in the church or appropriate venue
* Members of your parish organization
* High school staff and interested parents
* Everyone who shares your passion for the Theology of the Body

Become a part of this life-changing event!

Due to the overwhelming response to this first-ever Theology of the Body Congress, we have opened a live-streaming option!

You can still be a part of this historic gathering!

Live-streaming of the Congress’ key presentations is available for only $79! Register here for Online Access!

Click here to see some of the presenters and featured talks you’ll be able to watch when you sign up for this outstanding offer.

This is a great lineup of some of the most well-known experts on Theology of the Body, the landmark teaching of Venerable Pope John Paul II.

Among the 450 attendees are 42 priests, 16 sisters and five deacons. Thirty-five U.S. states and 10 countries are represented. This Congress has truly attracted worldwide attention and response.

This live-streaming option is sponsored by our friends at MyCatholicVoice, and it’s designed and intended to give you opportunities to watch this memorable Congress live with:

* Your parish’s Theology of the Body group
* Your university or college enrichment group
* Your parish’s religious education or faith formation groups
* Other members of your parish in the church or appropriate venue
* Members of your parish organization
* High school staff and interested parents
* Everyone who shares your passion for the Theology of the Body

Become a part of this life-changing event!

The Challenge of Same-Sex “Marriage”
Moderator: Brian Gail, author “Fatherless”
Panelists: Dr. Janet Smith, Glenn Stanton, Rick Fitzgibbons and Dr. Phillip Mango

Humane Vitae and Theology of the Body: John Paul II’s Profound Defense of Paul VI’s Courageous Encyclical
Moderator: Joan Desmond, writer, National Catholic Register
Panelists: Dr. Michael Waldstein, Dr. Peter Colosi, Dr. Pia de Solenni

The Future of the Theology of the Body
Moderator: Damon Owens
Panelists: Katrina Zeno, Dr. Pia de Solenni, Fr. Richard Hogan, Bill Donaghy

Theology of the Body and Pastoral Ministry
Moderator: Lisa Hendey, Catholic author and podcaster
Panelists: Rev. J. Brian Bransfield, Fr. Roger Landry, Dr. Gregory Popcak, Sr. Mary Elizabeth Wusinich, S.V.

How to Reach the World with the Theology of the Body
Moderator: Matthew Pinto, author and publisher
Panelists: Fr. Thomas J. Loya, STB., MA., Bill Donaghy, Sr. Helena Burns, D.S.P.

Booths will be displayed in the ballroom and pre-event areas – both high areas of visibility along the participant route to workshops, round table discussions and panels. Specific time has been allotted throughout the Congress schedule to allow participants to the opportunity to visit the exhibits.

If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the Congress, please contact us via our website or call 1-877-263-1263.

This unprecedented event will inspire many cultures to dig deeper into this teaching from the Venerable Pope John Paul II, and will serve as an exhilarating opportunity for attendees to build relationships on a global scale.

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Phone: (215) 361-3600

Courtyard – North Wales, PA
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Phone: (215) 699-8800

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Phone: (267) 468-0111

“I believe that TOB is one of the greatest gifts of God through the late John Paul II for all the children of God – regardless of gender and race, age, state of life and vocation,” Fr. Aranilla said. “In Filipino we say, ‘Mabuhay ang TOB!’ – Long Live TOB!”

Fr. Morley attended a Theology of the Body Institute presentation by Damon Owens earlier this year, and it inspired him to seek TOB certification through the Institute. “I look forward to this Congress and other opportunities to promote this important gem of our faith,” he said. “Life is short and TOB can – and will, I think – help people to live life to the fullest. I am excited!”

Congress registrants represent 10 countries on four continents – the United States (more than 35 states represented), Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, the Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Slovenia and South Africa.

This unprecedented event will inspire many cultures to dig deeper into this teaching from the Venerable Pope John Paul II, and will serve as an exhilarating opportunity for attendees to build relationships on a global scale.

“We have been so pleased with the response from Catholics across the country and around the world who are interested in coming together to share their tremendous passion for the Catholic Church and Pope John Paul II’s beautiful teaching of Theology of the Body,” Maria Stumpf, Director of Operations and Programs at the Theology of the Body Institute, said. “This Congress promises to be truly incredible.”

The National Theology of the Body Congress will be the most expansive and comprehensive gathering of Theology of the Body experts and enthusiasts ever assembled. The Congress will be held at Normandy Farms Conference Center outside Philadelphia from July 28-30, 2010, with the theme “Receiving and Proclaiming the Gift.”

This unprecedented three-day event will gather the foremost educators, authors and speakers on Theology of the Body in one place to take part in more than 35 keynote addresses, educational workshops, roundtable discussions, expert panels and seminars. This historic occasion seeks to advance the Institute’s mission to educate and train women and men to understand, live and promote John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

Featured speakers include: Justin Cardinal Rigali, Dr. Janet Smith, Katrina Zeno, Glenn Stanton, Dr. Pia de Solenni, Bill Donaghy, Fr. Thomas Loya, Damon Owens, Dr. Gregory Popcak, Dr. Michael Waldstein, Monica Ashour, Anastasia Northrup and many more.

For more information on the Congress and to submit your name to the waiting list, please visit www.TOBCongress.com.

Maria Stumpf, Director of Operations and Programs at the Theology of the Body Institute and Damon Owens, Founder of Joy Filled Marriage NJ, are available for interviews. Please contact Christine Schicker at 404-610-8871 or Ashley Walker at 678-990-9032, both with The Maximus Group.