The "Feminine Genius"?

The "feminine genius" . . . this whole summer during True Beauty we've talked about what John Paul means by this term. As I was reading John Paul II's "Letter to Women" recently these words jumped out at me - words that embody the "feminine genius" and the dignity of women that he speaks of so often: motherhood, obedience, help, mystery, service, complementary, human, beauty and love.

Read "Letter to Women" here - it's short, easy-to-read, and packed with JP2 goodness!

"The basic plan of the Creator takes flesh in the history of humanity and there is constantly revealed, in the variety of vocations, that beauty-not merely physical, but above all spiritual-which God bestowed from the very beginning on all, and in a particular way on women. . . The Church sees in Mary the highest expression of the "feminine genius" and she finds in her a source of constant inspiration. Putting herself at God's service, she also put herself at the service of others: a service of love. " - "Letter to Women" by Pope John Paul II

Leah Darrow: "The Real Beauty is Truth"

I just ordered this from Catholic Answers today, and I am pretty excited to check it out. Leah Darrow has been on the speaking circuit for the past year or so, and this is her new video:

Leah Darrow has an awesome strory - the title of this DVD says it all: "From Top Model to Role Model." Leah was on "America's Next Top Model" before she experienced a huge transformation of the heart and came back to her faith. I think her witness is set to make a huge impact on our youth today, especially for young women, because I believe that beauty is incredibly misunderstood, and very one-sided, in our culture today.
This interview on EWTN's "Life on the Rock" is fantastic to take a look at, too. She pretty much hits it all - her testimony, fashion, the reality of "reality TV," the brokenness in the beauty industry, and purity.

"The human being is single, unique, and unrepeatable, someone thought of and chosen from eternity, someone called and identified by name" ... ~ Bl. Pope John Paul II

THE EUCHARIST - an amazingly intimate encounter with God!

Last night in Theology of the Body for Teens we talked about the Eucharist and marital love - "This is my body given for you" (Lk 22:19). This YouTube video does a great job of explaining it! Also, Jackie Francois is an amazingly gifted singer - I really enjoy hearing her music and reading her blog.... www.jackiefrancois.com.

Quest for Purity...

Want to Change your View on Sex?

Come to PCE for the summer!



Theology of the Body for Teens

Looking for a way to learn about chastity, eat FREE Chipotle, and meet new friends?

Who: All male and female teens who are incoming high school freshman through incoming college freshmen.

When: We are offering two separate five-week classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from July 11th - August 10th. The afternoon class will meet twice a week from 1– 3 p.m. The night class will meet twice a week from 6—8 p.m.

Where: Pregnancy Center East @ 3944 Edwards Rd in Cincinnati. (513) 321 –8584.

Cost: The program is free and includes lunch or dinner and a copy of the workbook.

More Info: If you are interested or would like to register, please contact Alicia at 321-8584

Thoughts on Marriage and Modesty . . .

There are some days that I really, really enjoy reading Simcha Fisher's blog over at the National Catholic Register. Today was one of those days.

Head over to see why!

1. Fast Girls: these high school girls who dressed modestly did better in track meets.
2. Should I Marry Him? (Or, ladies, should you date him?) Good answers to a classic question.

Theology of the Body for Teens Essay Winners

Kudos to these teens for their inspiring essays on how Theology of the Body has impacted their lives as young men and women in today's culture. The winning essay is "The Search for True Manhood" and can be found here.