TOB 2014 Bangalore Jesus Youth

TOB Testimonies

TOB Testimonies

TOB testimonies

TOB Seminar Nov 2015 Bangalore

After thirty-three years in part- and full-time Catholic ministry, including counseling training, Bible colleges and schools of evangelization, I thought that I knew it all, well, almost all, especially about human sexuality from a Catholic perspective. I was for a short period a pro-lifer and even did a Marriage Encounter Deeper Weekend with my wife Angela over 30 years ago.
Why, then, did I decide to devote three precious days of my very busy life to attending a "Theology of the Body" (ToB) seminar?
For several reasons, one being that the seminar would be given by Valentine and Anna Coelho, our family friends since several years, whose Catholic orthodoxy and orthopraxis greatly reassured and edified me.
Another was the testimony of a young unmarried youth (J) who read just a few chapters of a book on ToB and testified in our home that it turned his life around. He witnessed that he had been struggling with several Faith issues after being mal-influenced by a Muslim girlfriend and eventually he had difficulty accepting certain basic Christian tenets as well as the place and role of Mary in salvation history. But Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body changed all that for him.
A third reason was that certain ToB nuggets casually shared by Vally and Anna with me over the years whenever we used to meet made me realize that there was a lot that I didn't know but really should be knowing as a Catholic husband, father, grandfather, and lay person in ministry. 
And I abhor avoidable ignorance in a lay person in ministry. So, I enrolled.
What did I learn?
My intention here is not to give a synopsis of the ToB but to tell Catholic readers (of any age; I was only one of two married participants, and I was at least twice as old as any of them) that attending a the ToB course is imperative for every Catholic. It should be a part of the Church's Marriage Preparation Course, participants felt.
What I did was just a basic capsule, I understand.
I was so enraptured from the outset that I did not take down a single line or reference in the note book that I had carried along with several pens and a pencil.
Instead, it was my Bible whose pages I kept flipping through, from Genesis through the Song of Songs to Revelation. 
God's loving plan for humanity was brilliantly unfolded to us in the sex act between husband and wife, and so too, a new perspective of the relationship between the three persons of the God-head and that of the Father with his Church in Jesus Christ.
I repeat that I am not attempting here a summary of the contents of the course so this account must not be criticized theologically. Neither must it be seen as an emotional reaction.
I realized that if (my wife and) I had had the privilege of attending a ToB session (much) before we were married (in February 1973), not only our lives but the lives of all those we encountered and those of our progeny ... and theirs .. would be today much more different and beautiful and pristine and in line with the plan and will of God, than what they have been or are. 
I went in with an "academic" or "intellectual" interest but, like "J" after reading a portion of a ToB book, I returned with a beautiful faith-experience.
For a few days in Bangalore and after my reaching Chennai, people kept telling me that I looked different and that my face was "shining". 
I pray that blessing for the reader, too.

Michael Prabhu  Chennai

I am Sunny Raj, I am a JY (jesus youth) and I am from hyderabad. I have completed my MBA and moved to mumbai a month ago. I was reluctant to move to mumbai as every thing is going to be new there and I was questioning god for the reasons. Later I came to know about the TOB seminar, as I am interested in theology I made it a point in attending the seminar. As for me, attending the seminar itself justifies my shift to mumbai, As the seminar has changed my life in understanding the way god created the universe and his divine purpose. My eyes has been opened on some of the most difficult questions/topics I am facing today. I cannot express my gratitude in words for what the lord is doing through your work.

15 TO 17 AUG 2014 TOB BANGALORE

2014 Mumbai: 26 and 27 July 2014

210 people attended the seminar organized by Diocesan Human Life Commission and FIAMC Centre for Bio Ethics.

Bsp Agnelo Gracias was present for the entire Seminar and helped to bring out the best in the participants.

Also spoke to 100 Seminarians including a few lay people and nuns on Monday from 12 noon to 1 pm on Celibacy for the Kingdom. Bsp John D'mello the Rector of the Seminary was present along with Fr. Stephen and other priests.

Comments:

Your TOB Session was simply amazing, and I praise and

thank the Lord that we had the opportunity to attend and pray

 that we will have the humility to obey.  LB

Thanks for the wonderful sharing on the Theology of the Body. Personally, it has touched me deeply.  Thanks for opening my eyes to so many truths which we know but do not understand.  MF

I personally wish to thank you very very much for the wonderful talks you gave and enlightened us on so many issues pertaining to Theology of the Body which I must admit I was really ignorant of for so many years. I thank you very much and may God Bless you and give you the grace and strength to carry on the good work and help our Catholic Community in the future. BD

 

2014 July 11 and 12 - Chennai Young Couples Prayer Group

 Fri 11 July from 7 to 9 pm talk on Theology of His body 30 people attended this session

Sat 12 July: 4 sessions on TOB to YCPG members 15 people attended.

2014 TOB presentations at St. Mary's Church Dubai 25 and 26 March 2014 from 7 to 9 pm.

150 people attended both sessions.

20 couples attended NFP class 1 on Wed 27 March

2013 AJMER: TWO DAYS SEMINAR ON THEOLOGY OF THE BODY ON 12TH AND 13TH OCTOBER, 2013

100 people attended this seminar.

2012 TOB Seminar at New Delhi from 14 September 6 pm to 16 September 4.30 pm Don Bosco Provincial House, Okhla

15 couples and their families attended the TOB Seminar

2012 TOB Seminar from 19 to 21 Aug in Bangalore

A TOB seminar was held from 19-21 Aug is Banglore(Bengaluru), Karnataka. Organized by Jesus Youth Banglore and with about 50 participants whose response was greatly appreciated, Bl. Pope John Paul the Great's message continues to spread, for the greater glory of God!

Kudos to all the youth present!

TOB Workshop held at Dasya, Porvorim from 12 to 14 Nov 2010.

The retreat was very fruitful and St. Paul's counsel to "Gird your loins with the truth" has taken on new meaning.
Thank God for Valy, Anna and their family who are are doing a sterling job of disseminating the TOB.
Gerard

I wish to thank you & your family for the precious knowledge you have shared with us on TOB. it has brought about a new dimension in my life & hopfully in the people around me.

Love & God Bless

Chris

Be-Attitudes Founders honoured with TOB Award

[ZE100730] The World Seen From Rome
ZENIT
The World Seen From Rome
Daily dispatch - July 30, 2010

5 Theology of the Body Pioneers Awarded
Indian Couple, Daughters of St. Paul Honored
By Genevieve Pollock

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, JULY 30, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Five individuals and institutions were honored for their work to spread the teaching of Pope John Paul II in his theology of the body at the first national congress on this topic.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, said the opening prayer for the Thursday evening awards banquet at the National Theology of the Body Congress.

Cardinal Rigali affirmed to ZENIT that the theology of the body is "a great gift." In fact, the cardinal personally wrote a Jan. 21 letter of invitation to the congress, in which he stated, "I am convinced that John Paul II's theology of the body is a treasure for the Church and a gift of the Holy Spirit for our time."

The three-day congress, which was organized by the Philadelphia-based Theology of the Body Institute, ends today.

The institute awarded Valentine and Ann Coelho of Goa, India; Father Richard Hogan of Crystal, Minnesota; the Daughters of St. Paul of Boston, Massachusetts; the Theology of the Body International Alliance of San Antonio, Texas; and Ruah Woods of Cincinnati, Ohio.

A press release noted the "pioneering work" of these honorees in "the advancement of the teachings of Pope John Paul II on human sexuality."

David Savage, chairman of the institute's board, said at the banquet that "each of the recipients have been true trailblazers -- in ways unique to their individual and organizational missions -- in promoting and helping others understand the theology of the body."

Unique missions

Valentine and Ann Coelho were acknowledged for their work over the past decade in spreading the teachings of John Paul II in India, through seminars for clergy, religious, seminarians, doctors, youth and engaged and married couples.

Father Hogan, co-author of "Covenant of Love: Pope John Paul II on Sexuality, Marriage and Family in the Modern World," was honored for his vanguard work in disseminating the theology of the body through publications as early as 1981. His latest book, "Theology of the Body: What it Means, Why it Matters," continues his 29-year work of bringing John Paul II's teachings to a wider audience.

Sister Mary Mark Wickenhiser, publisher of Pauline Books and Media, accepted the award on behalf of the Daughters of St. Paul. The congregation, which works to communicate Christ through the media and modern technology, was awarded for its work to publish the general audience addresses of John Paul II, and then many subsequent books by various authors on the topic of the theology of the body.

Anastasia Northrop received the award for the Theology of the Body International Alliance, which was created in 2003 to provide resources for catechesis and ministry. The organization currently supports 500 members in 25 countries in their work with couples, teens, prolife causes, street evangelization, forums and national conferences.

Ruah Woods was honored for its ministry in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio, as an education center specifically dedicated to teaching the theology of the body. Since it opened its doors last year, it has trained 400 students to bring John Paul II's teaching to their own parishes and communities.

Universal Church

At the banquet, Cardinal Rigali was accompanied by Bishop-elect John McIntyre, whose episcopal ordination will take place Aug. 6. Also present were Bishop Lawrence Brandt of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and Bishop Hugh Slattery, who retired this year from his position as bishop of Tzaneen, South Africa.

Before giving the closing prayer for the evening, Bishop Slattery addressed some words to the participants of the theology of the body congress, in which he emphasized the need for spreading this Church teaching about human sexuality, especially in the fight against AIDS. He noted that some 2 million South Africans have already died due to AIDS.

Later, in comments to ZENIT, Bishop Slattery affirmed that the Church in South Africa has had a great impact in the fight against AIDS, a work that he said was an "honor" to be a part of.

The congress focused four tracks on various aspects of the theology of the body: pastoral ministry, catechesis and evangelization, philosophy and theology, marriage and family.

Speakers included: Cardinal Rigali; Father Hogan; Helen Alvaré, law professor and advisor of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Father Thomas Loya; Sister Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul; Janet Smith; Lisa Hendey; Brian Gail; Katrina Zeno; Pia de Solenni; Anastasia Northrop; Father Roger Landry; Peter Colosi; Bill Donaghy; Damon Owens; Michael Waldstein; Monica Ashour; Gregory Popcak; Glen Stanton; Jake Samour; Bob Schuchts; and Philip Mango.

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On the Net:

Theology of the Body Congress: http://tobcongress.com/

Summary of Theology of the Body programs/ courses/ activities since 2001

2001: With permission from CCL International, produced and distributed 500 audio-tapes on Christopher West's Introduction to TOB.

Gave short talks based on the TOB to youth groups, parish council members, diocesan priests, St. Luke's Medical Guild, Goa.

Wrote articles based on TOB for Marriage Encounter, Engaged Encounter and Diocesan magazines

2002 - 03: Presented the vision of the TOB to the Trainees of the Parish Family Cells at the invitation of the Diocesan Family Service Centre, Goa.

2004: Talk on TOB givent to the 3^rd and 4^th year seminarians of Rachol Seminary Goa. Used audio tapes Naked without Shame for Pre-baptismal team couples of Archdiocese of Bombay.

2005: Starting in 2005 till this year, gave four-day seminars on the TOB to the newly ordained priests in Goa Archdiocese. Organised three-day Seminar on TOB at Goa in August in collaboration with CCBI Family Commission.

2006: Presented short talks on the TOB to youth groups in Goa on three occasions.

In July, (Vally & Anna) attended a Certification Course: Head & Heart Immersion I, given by Christopher West, at the Theology of the Body Institute, Pennsylvania, USA in June 2007.

2007 : Presented Christopher West's “Created and Redeemed” to team couples of Marriage Encounter Goa, member of Jesus Youth in Bangalore and Chennai and to members of the Pro-Life Group in Goa.

In August 2008, (Vally & Anna) attended a Certification Course on Catholic Sexual Ethics, given by Dr. Janet Smith at Pennsylvania, USA and in September 2008 (Vally) attended a Certification Course: Head & Heart Immersion II given by Christopher West.

2008: Presented talks to a secular audience bas aed on the TOB to all students of Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science, Mumbai over three days and to the students of Goa College of Home Science -one day.

Gave Motivation Talks based on the TOB at the Engaged Encounter Weekends in Mumbai.

As Team couples for Marriage Encounter and Engaged Encounter and Team Trainers for the Marriage Encounter, we have also incorporated the TOB into most of our talks.

Gave Pre-conference training on TOB to 200 delegates for Asia Pacific Conference of HLI in Goa.

2009-10: Gave a talk on the TOB to experienced Marriage Encounter team couples in Kochi.

Conducted six weekend residential Workshops on Christopher West's Introduction to the Theology of the Body, with a faculty of five (Valentine & Anna Coelho, James Kurian, Nadisha Coelho & Nimish Coelho) to over 125 participants including about 17 priests, 23 doctors, seven nuns. The feedback has been very encouraging.

TOB Seminar at Goregaon, Mumbai, 20-21Mar 10

TOB Seminar presented by the Couple to Couple League of India and organised in Mumbai by the Bio-Medical Ethics Center, headed by Fr. Stephen Fernandes, Director, in collaboration with the Catholic Medical Guild of St. Lukes, Mumbai from 20-21 March 2010.

The latest TOB Seminar in Mumbai touched the lives of most of the participants. Twenty-three people attended the whole seminar (20th and 21st March), while twenty-two others attended came on the second day of the seminar; a majority of the participants (23) were doctors.

Some of the comments of the participants:

The course consists of very good and informative notes for study.

- A youth

The TOB seminar was an eye opener in many ways. The teachings of Pope John Paul, especially about the act of sexual intercourse being so sacred, so beautiful, among many other teachings.

- A doctor

It increased my knowledge about my body, sexual morality, relationship between man and woman in marriage...

- A doctor

The speaker is so passionate and emotional. To see his passion and the use of his personal (very personal) testimonies, touched me immensely.

- A doctor

It has helped me respect myself and others and understand deeply the meaning of sex in my life.

- A youth

The aspect I liked the most was that sexual intercourse is 'DIVINE', and a peep into the Beatific Vision, as I was illiterate about it.

- A doctor

I liked the personal sharing by Vally as this really opened peoples' hearts, because in order to accept the teachings, we need to feel human experiences to understand better.

- A youth

Enjoyed the session on marriage as a sacrament, the act of sexual intercourse being holy and not just an act of Recreation and Procreation. It will help me in my marriage, to understand my husband better.

- A married person

The TOB should be for a longer duration.

- A married person

Overheard at the Seminar:

"Getting this information now is like getting a comb when you're bald"

- A doctor, married 25 years

"Now I am convinced that Natural Family Planning really is the gift of the Catholic Church to the world."

- A doctor

"I am ready to give up my profession to propagate this message full-time."

- A doctor

TOB Seminar at Pastoral Institute, Old Goa, 8-10 March 2010

The TOB seminar in Old Goa was very enriching both for the participants as well as the organisers. It was attended by 16 participants, 14 being newly ordained priests of the last two years and 2 youth - one male and one female.

Some of the comments made by the participants:

I liked the different analogies used to explain concepts.

- A priest

As a man it has deepened my understanding of the meaning of my body. The different views in the group discussion was enriching. I would like to bring some aspect of this in marriage preparation courses.

- A priest

I enjoyed the talks by Mr. James. It gave me purpose for my existence.

- A priest

I liked the talk on Celibacy for the Kingdom and the understanding that even married people are called to chaste life in their vocation.

- A priest

I recommend this seminar for counsellors, college students and post-confirmation children.

- A priest

I liked the aspect that the body is 'prophetic' because spouses proclaim the language of the body truthfully. Also the point that celibacy has a redeeming effect.

- A priest

It has deepened my insights on Natural Family Planning and TOB.

- A priest

Very methodical, interactive and well coordinated.

- A priest

I will spread this good news wherever I go.

- A priest

It is a rare topic which is not discussed openly. It was practical and will help me in my daily life. We must create awareness among the masses as many people who want to know these values are forced to use wrong means.

- A young person

Hi everyone!!

It's been a long time since we updated our family photo. We celebrated our silver wedding anniversary on 29 Dec 2009 and had the function on 3rd Dec. this is the latest photo we have of our family.

Theology of the Body Seminars at Mumbai & Ahmednagar

Theology of the Body seminars

26 years have passed since Pope John Paul II delivered the last talk of his

catechesis, known as the Theology of the Body, yet very few people
have even heard of this teaching. For the sake of the future of humanity,
it is of vital importance that this teaching be made known and be lived by
as many people as possible. The Couple to Couple League of India has taken
up this challenging task by scheduling a series of seminars on the Theology

of the Body. Hailed as the landmark catechesis of our dearly beloved Pope

John Paul II on love, sex and marriage, it is not only for married people
but for all those who want to understand the meaning of life and how we must
live it.
If you have a body, the Theology of the Body is for you. In other words it
is for for *every-body*!

Next Seminar at Bosco Grameen Vikas Kendra, Ahmednagar, organised by Fr. Bento D'souza sdb:

For registration email: passionandwisdom@gmail.com