An expert on St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body — a look at life, love and sexuality — will speak in Shawano later this month.
Best-selling author Christopher West will discuss his new book “Fill These Hearts: God, Sex, and the Universal Longing” when he speaks from 7-9 p.m. April 24 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 302 S. Main St.
The Shawano parish was invited by the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay to host West’s presentation.
“It’s really exciting to have a nationally known speaker like Christopher West here in Shawano,” said the Rev. Luke Ferris, pastor at Sacred Heart. “I’ve seen Christopher and I think it’s important we all learn more about love and sexuality. I’m so pleased that we were chosen to host this event.”
West has been teaching graduate and undergraduate courses on the Theology of the Body since the late 1990s at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, Nebraska, and the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, Australia. In 2004 he helped establish the Theology of the Body Institute near Philadelphia, where he is a senior lecturer of theology and Christian anthropology.
West has written several books, multiple audio and video programs and lectured across the world. He and his wife, Wendy, reside in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and have five children.
In his newest book, West answers the questions about human sexuality and marriage that he encounters in the numerous adult audiences he addresses.
“It’s an honor for us to host Christopher West,” said Susan Kurek, Sacred Heart’s director of religious education. “Young people need to hear that they need to respect their bodies and the bodies of others. Sexuality is a gift, not a means of momentary pleasure. Pleasure is fleeting, what we seek is true happiness. That is what lasts.”
The Sacred Heart program also will include musical guests Mike Mangione and Jason Clark. The event is open to everyone. Refreshments will be served, and a book selling and signing session will take place following the presentation.
Tickets are required and can be purchased for $10 by visiting www.gbdioc.org/christopherwest. For event information, contact Phil Lawson at 920-272-8304 or plawson@gbdioc.org.
This event is sponsored by the Department of New Evangelization, Office of Young Adult Ministry, and is partially funded through the Bishop’s Appeal of the Diocese of Green Bay.
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