ASIA/BAHRAIN - Meetings of the Women Program of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia on the "Theology of the Body" inspired by John Paul II

Manama (Agenzia Fides) - "Theology of the Body (TOB): A Transformative Journey of Hope, Healing & Human Dignity" represents a further step forward made by the Women Program (WP) of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA) which offered a series of meetings in the parishes of Manama and Awali, aimed to deepen the understanding of human dignity, femininity and the sacredness of the body, addressing topics often overlooked in traditional settings.

The initiative, held under the patronage of the Apostolic Vicar of Avona, Msgr. Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., offered a profound reflection on the human person in God's plan for love and life.

Drawing heavily from the profound teachings of Saint John Paul II's Theology of the Body, Adeline Khouri's sessions were designed to be both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant. Her approach fostered an environment where participants felt comfortable discussing sensitive topics related to sexuality, relationships, and personal identity within a faith-based framework. The core message emphasized how the human body, far from being merely a biological entity, serves as a "roadmap to God," revealing divine truths about love, communion, and our ultimate purpose.

One of the most significant moments of the initiative, which involved the entire Catholic community in Bahrain, was the launch of the Training of Trainers Initiative, a significant step for the future of TOB formation in the region. This gathering, held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, marked the beginning of a long-term "Training of Trainers" program that aims to equip and empower local leaders to continue disseminating TOB teachings within their ministries. A session was dedicated to the Arabic-speaking community, in Arabic. "By offering TOB teachings in the native language of a significant portion of the community, the mission successfully broke barriers of language and culture, ensuring that the message of human dignity and God's plan for love," reads the note released by Avona.
Another event of great impact was the women's conference on the Theology of the Body and the spiritual insights found in the Song of Songs.

Beyond the scheduled sessions, Adeline Khouri engaged in crucial discussions with clergy and pastoral leaders. These meetings focused on practical ways to integrate Theology of the Body into existing church programs, specifically mentioning marriage preparation courses and school curricula. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 14/5/2025)

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