“We live in a time of unprecedented confusion on gender, marriage, and family life,” said Jen Settle, Managing Director of the Theology of the Body Institute. “In a time such as this, it is important for all of us, whether married, single, celibate, or those working within parishes or schools, to come to know the beauty of human love through Pope Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.”
The 2016 International Theology of the Body Congress: Love, Mercy and the Gift of the Family is set for September 22-25 at the Ontario Convention Center. This will be the third Congress sponsored by the Theology of the Body Institute, but the first to visit the West Coast.
“We hope that our presence will infuse the area with an enthusiasm for Theology of the Body, and we are thankful to Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes for his warm welcome to the Diocese of San Bernardino,” said Settle.
The Congress features a prime time line-up of speakers, most notably Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, Dr. John Grabowski of Catholic University of America and Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, Associate General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The Congress will also feature presentations from Christopher West, Dr. Edward Sri, Sister Regina Marie Gorman, Jason Evert, Matt Fradd, and many more.
In addition to the seminars and panels from top Theology of the Body experts, the Congress will feature daily Mass, Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration, as well as an exhibit hall with wide array of products, programs and ministries related to Theology of the Body and Evangelization.
The Theology of the Body Congress hopes to reach clergy, religious and lay leaders involved in the New Evangelization at all levels in the Church. From diocesan leadership, priests, religious and seminarians to married couples, single people and Theology of the Body enthusiasts, the 2016 Theology of the Body Congress will be a meeting ground for all those interested in reaching a culture that has forgotten the true meaning of the body and therefore, the family.
“The Congress has been, and will continue to be a place of refreshment for those trying to advance the Church’s vision for the family,” said Damon Owens, Chairman of the TOB Congress Planning Committee.