By Madalaine Elhabbal
Washington D.C., Jan 6, 2025 / 15:20 pm
The “theology of the body” was a central theme of the SEEK25 conference held in Washington, D.C., last week, with several speakers drawing on the teachings of St. John Paul II in their talks at the flagship Catholic event for young adults.
Speakers including Nebraska priest Father Sean Kilcawley and Samantha Kelley, president of FIERCE Athlete, a Catholic women’s organization that “promotes true and authentic femininity in sports,” called on young Catholics to dive deeper into their understanding of human sexuality and their identity as sons and daughters of God.
Several attendees at the conference, sponsored by Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), told CNA they had limited exposure to the theology of the body and had been surprised and moved by John Paul II’s teachings. From 1981 to 1985, the late pope devoted his Wednesday general audiences to catechesis affirming the dignity of life.
A ‘nose-dive’ into John Paul II’s reflection on creation story
“This one probably hit me the hardest,” Meredith Cole, 20, a student at Virginia Tech, told CNA after Kelley’s talk, which was titled “Theology of the Body: Understanding Who You Are.”
Standing in line to meet the FIERCE president, Cole told CNA she felt Kelley “spoke to exactly what I needed to hear and what I’ve been praying with the past couple of days.”
“It’s important to know theology of the body because it teaches us about the way that God views us and views our bodies,” she said, noting that while she had some exposure to theology of the body through campus ministry at Virginia Tech, Kelley’s talk had “nose-dived into it.”
Join us as we explore the powerful message of seeking a relationship with God for true fulfillment, as highlighted by Kelley and other esteemed speakers at the conference. Dive into John Paul II’s teachings on human sexuality and the theology of the body, a timeless wisdom that still resonates in today’s society. Let’s unravel the complexities of masculine and feminine roles, relationships, and sexuality in a world that continues to grapple with these fundamental truths. With insights from Bishop Robert Brennan, Dr. Matthew Breuninger, and Father Chase Hilgenbrinck, this conference promises to be a transformative experience for all attendees. Embrace the journey towards understanding and embracing God’s plan for our lives. Credit: Migi Fabara/EWTN.
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