Theology of the Body Course

All the brothers here get excited about the Easter celebrations. Christ rising from the dead, the smell of the flowers and incense in the chapel, being able to sing the Alleluia once again, and spending quality time with each other all combine to make a beautiful Easter Octave. This year the brothers in the humanities program received an extra treat.

On April 18, the humanists began a short course on St. John Paul II’s teachings of Theology of the Body. This year Bill Donaghy, a professor at the Theology of the Body Institute in Pennsylvania, came to give the course. Two consecrated women of Regnum Christi, Charlene Alexander and Joan Kingsland accompanied him. The courses were focused mainly on the idea of beauty in the human person, especially as expressed through different forms of art. There was also ample time for group discussion and one on one mentoring. The brothers also had the opportunity to eat their meals with the consecrated women and Mr. Donaghy’s family, who also tagged along, making it not only a textbook experience but also something very personal. The course ended on April 21 with the celebration of Holy Mass.

As soon as this course ended, the brothers were ready for two more. On April 24, Fr. Patrick Langan LC flew in to Cheshire and began his annual “Story Course.” Fr. Patrick, an experienced movie and story analyzer, usually chooses a movie and then goes on to explain an element of story that is shown exceptionally well in that movie. This year the movie was Sully directed by award winning actor/director Clint Eastwood and based on the true events of the 2009 airplane water landing on the Hudson River. Fr. Patrick explained to the brothers the importance of a tool in story telling that he calls “Flow.” He went gradually showing the brothers how this tool was used in Sully. He went on to explain how “Flow” can also be applied to homilies, research papers, and speeches. This led perfectly in to the next course the brothers attended, a communications course given by Jim Fair. Mr. Fair is a long time Regnum Christi member and handles Public Relations for the Legionaries of Christ in the North American Territory. He gave the brothers a very practical course ranging from how the media today functions to tips on improving communication skills. His courses were a combination of interactive exercises, funny videos, and even some homework assignments!

Although the brothers are now back to their normal class schedule, these courses were a big part of their formation this year in many ways. Three courses, three completely different themes, yet all three were a means of growth for the brothers here in Cheshire.