Love yourself and be yourself

Studying the Theology of the Body is the right choice as it leads to an appreciation for the nobility of human dignity.

Mar 24, 2023

By Rowena Rodney
Studying the Theology of the Body is the right choice as it leads to an appreciation for the nobility of human dignity.

The Malacca Vicariate Malaysian Language Youth Group organised a “Theology of the Body” seminar in the hall of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with 45 participants March 4-5.

The sessions were delivered by Sr Maria Magdalena Kopong FSIC (Sr Mag) and Sr Shanti Mariadass FdCC.

Sr Mag delivered three sessions which emphasised on the importance of appreciating and loving yourself and being able to accept oneself.

She gave examples from the seven saints and guided them through group discussion to learn the purity of the body.

On the second day, Sr Mag, together with Sr Shanti, brought the youths to a deeper understanding on the calling for vocation and to follow the examples of Jesus who is married to the Church.

The youth were divided into several groups to discuss the topics given by Sr Shanti. Through this group discussion, participants had the opportunity to share their opinions and experiences.

Emily Gregory, one of the participants, said that through the Theology of the Body seminar, “I was able to learn about the boundaries between men and women that are taken for granted by teenagers or people today.

“I also understand that the marriage accepted by the Church is between a man and a woman and why the Church rejects same-sex marriage.”

Emily also acknowledged Mary as an example of the Theology of the Body where the virgin kept her body pure until she was taken to heaven.

The participants felt happy to be able to gather face-to-face like this, and they hope that programs like this will be held again in the future.