Southern Nebraska Register
“John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is a fruit of deep meditation on Scripture, specifically in how God is revealing himself in the composition and expression of the human person, chiefly through the way in which man is called to love, both himself and others.”
The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies will present “A Biblical Theology of the Body: An Emmaus Seminar,” Saturday, April 5, at St. Joseph Church in Lincoln.
The seminar will begin with Mass at 8 a.m., followed by light breakfast in Resurrection Hall, catered by Bagels & Joe.
The “Theology of the Body” refers to a corpus of teaching based on 129 general audiences given by St. Pope John Paul II from September 1979 to November 1984. The teachings provide a comprehensive view of the proper understanding of the true meaning of life, love, sex and gender.
Dr. Michael Waldstein, the featured speaker for the April 5 event, is regarded by many as the leading English authority on these works. He translated them into English, using the original texts of the Wednesday audiences given by St. John Paul II, as well as handwritten notes the Holy Father had composed in his native Polish, well before the time of his pontificate.
The translation can be found in Waldstein’s 2006 book, “Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body.”
The event will also include remarks from Father Sean Kilcawley of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln. Father Kilcawley is pastor of St. Leo and St. Martin parishes in Douglas and Palmyra, and has worked extensively in this area of study as well. He has taught on the Theology of the Body in talks and across platforms such as Word on Fire, the Avila Institute, SEEK, and more. In July, Father Kilcawley will begin a new appointment as director of human formation at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, Calif.
Joshua Burks, associate teacher for the Emmaus Institute, said he and the rest of the staff are eager to host Dr. Waldstein and Father Kilcawley on the topic.
“Many quickly assume that John Paul II’s Theology of the Body simply means, ‘how Catholics are to think about sexuality,’” he said. “While this can be true, in a sense, his works are not reducible to mere instructions on chastity.
“What many miss,” he continued, “is that John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is a fruit of deep meditation on Scripture, specifically in how God is revealing himself in the composition and expression of the human person, chiefly through the way in which man is called to love, both himself and others. It is in the framework of this meditation that Theology of the Body was born.
“Our world today needs this message more than ever, perhaps even more than when it was first given,” he added. “I am eager to be filled with wisdom and inspired in love through this upcoming seminar, and I hope that many others will experience the same.”
A short panel discussion will follow Dr. Waldstein’s presentation, with time for questions and answers from the audience. The morning will conclude by noon.
All are welcome, but registration is requested by Wednesday, April 2, in order to prepare adequately for seating, coffee, and breakfast refreshments. Register at www.emmausinstitute.net/events.
