Father also spoke of the presentation of the Theology of the Body on the Street Level which was conducted for the diocese of Corpus Christi in Texas. This includes video, audio, and powerpoint notes.

Another project was the Love and Responsibility Discussion Group which took place in a coffee shop and proved very popular with university students.

Blessed Pope John Paul’s Theology of the Body has not been well served by sensationalist presentations that have put off many orthodox and traditional Catholics. There is much still to be rediscovered in his profound reflections on our created masculinity and femininity, on marriage, celibacy and the Christian concept of love. Fr Sam is doing some sterling work in promoting this development in theology.

Fr Sam Medley SOLT spoke to the Association today on the theology of the Body of Blessed Pope John Paul. The first lecture looked at the philosophical and theological influences in Blessed Pope John Paul’s life, at the structure and principal topics of the Theology of the Body General Audience addresses, and the impact that this development can have in pastoral life. Fr Medley also addressed the concerns that priests have about the presentation of the theology of the body in which inappropriate images are used such as describing the Song of Songs as the “centerfold” of the bible. He made it clear that such images find absolutely no justification in the addresses of Blessed Pope John Paul.

After lunch, the lecture was more personally focussed and looked especially at the way in which the Theology of the Body can help priests to understand celibacy within the plan of God and live it joyfully.

Robert Colquhoun gave great assistance in the organisation of the day. Robert blogs at Discover Happiness and has enthusiastically promoted the 40 Days for Life initiative in London.

I hope to make the text of Father Medley’s first lecture available on the internet for you to download. In the meantime, here are a couple of links that he recommended:
NFP and more
Chastity.com

If you wish to study the General Audience addresses in which Pope John Paul elaborated the Theology of the Body, it is best to get Michael Waldstein’s critical translation which is published by Pauline Books with the title “Man and Woman He Created Them. A Theology of the Body.”

The Study Day, presented by APGL, in conjunction with Robert Colquhoun of “40 Days for Life” presents includes inspiring talks covering Blessed John Paul II’s epic catechesis on the theology of the body.

The Day will include Rosary and Benediction (with the opportunity for confession.) A buffet lunch will be provided.

So that we know how many to cater for, please let us know if you are coming. You can contact Robert at Robert543@gmail.com or you can phone or text 07947 698 195.