The Whats and Whys
What is the Theology of the Body? John Paul's pre-papal career, as Karol Wojtyla, was bound up with the dignity of the human person and the human person from a personalistic point of view. When he became pope, one could not just expect him to give it up. From 1979 until 1984 some of JPII's Wednesday audiences were in this area of thought. He examined the state of humanity before and after the fall. He examined the resurrected person. He looked into celibacy and marriage. And he meditated on Song of Songs and Humane Vitae. The Theology of the Body deals with sex, marriage, chastity, celibacy, ethos of the heart, the church, contraception, morality, biblical exegesis, philosophy, every human, and Jesus Christ. It is so exciting being on the edge of such profound way of theological thinking. In all there are 129 of these Wednesday audiences. The direction that JPII took is unlike most others. His reflections are profound and they will take years to unravel in their complete meaning. The thought of the Theology of the Body is much more than just a catechesis of sex and marriage, but is a entire way of viewing theology. The Theology of the Body is not just a section of theology, but is a way to look at theology. It is a way to view the meaning of our lives, and the reason of our lives. Read the Theology of the Body Read articles on the Theology of the Body
The John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family was established in Rome to educate scholars in this field. The institute then opens a branch in Washington DC, Mexico, Africa, and Australia. This field brings us into confrontation with the New Evangelization. Centers for higher learning in the area of Marriage and Family. Everything the world wants us to abandon is the school that expands so rapidly. There are many really good speakers on the Theology of the Body. These speakers a generally trained at one of these institutes. They are going out into parishes proclaiming the Gospel of Life. They do marriage prep and teach others how to do marriage prep, all because of a couple of papal documents. Amazing....Profound.
Well, What is your deal? This is a very exciting time to be in seminary. With all these speakers and all this theological information flying around we are in the forefront of all. I am excited by such a Theology given by a pope from Poland. I wanted some way to begin sharing this with others. I began learning about theology of the body four years ago when I attended my first Christopher West conference, which was on celibacy. We were then given a formation class in the theology of the body. We studied from Theology of the Body Explained. I then listened to the Naked without shame series (over and over again). Yes, I am a theology dork. I went on silent retreat and my text to read was Evangelium Vitae. It was so amazing I decided on this retreat that I would read the actual text, no matter how hard it was, and dedicate my life to the theology of the body. I found John Paul II's actual text so much more profound and deep than anything else I have ever heard. I didn't just read the book, I prayed my way through it. After finishing it I picked up Love and Responsibility. Then I began rereading the text of the Theology of the Body. What is wrong with me? I read it again. It is a text that marks my vocation. I feel called to the priesthood, but a priest of the new evangelization. I think I am being called to be a priest of the theology of the body.
Why Clowning? Possibly...Way before seminary I did magic tricks and balloon animals...maybe. One could say...People would pay me to come over to their house and perform for their families, their parties, and other such functions...Possibly. One might say I would put white paint onto my face and I may have taken the name "Blinky the Clown." That is probably the case...maybe...I am not admitting anything.
What is your deal with Seminary? I just finished fourth year philosophy. I have been in formation for five years. My first year was as a come and see year with the Capuchin Franciscans. I returned to my home diocese after a year and began formal seminary. I just graduated Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA. I love this place. BA in Philosophy and Liberal Arts! Next, year I will probably go to Saint Charles in PA for graduate school. Exciting. WHOO-who. Priesthood Yeah!