The New Year is upon us and the Theology of the Body Institute has already completed its first course of 2009. Over 100 students came from as far away as Chile, England, Mexico, and Australia to immerse themselves in prayer and study of John Paul II's revolutionary teachings.
As the course has evolved, I have seen how important it is to expose our students to ways in which John Paul II's TOB is affecting arts and culture. Two musicians -- Mike Mangione and Vince Scheuerman (Vince is from the band Army of Me), both alumni of the course -- returned for a concert in the middle of the week (Google both of them to learn more about their great music). We also welcomed actor Eduardo Verastegui from the award winning film BELLA who traveled from Mexico to take the class.  All of the students were thrilled to see a conceptual preview of Eduardo’s newest movie project. He will play the role of St. Peter in a new Paramount Pictures film called "Kingdom Come" on the life of Christ. Filming begins next month in New Zealand. Please keep Eduardo and everyone working on this important project in your prayers! We also ask for your prayers here at the Institute as we embark on a completely full calendar for 2009. I will be teaching three more TOB I courses this year. We will also welcome back Dr. Janet Smith who will teach the Love and Responsibility Immersion Course June 14-19. And August 23-28 marriage and family therapist, Dr. Bob Schuchts, will teach The Theology of Sexual Healing and Redemption. More information on each of these courses is available online.
I look forward to seeing many of you on the road this year!
Blessings,
Christopher West |
