From July 15 to 18, the Catholic apostolate for people with same-sex attraction and their families, Courage International, will hold its 34th Annual International Conference in which it will reflect on the theme “Saint Joseph, model of courageous love.”
The event will be held for the first time at the Benedictine College of the State of Kansas, United States.
In a statement released on May 5, it was announced that the conference will bring together members of Courage – adults who experience same-sex attractions and wish to live a life in chastity – and EnCourage – family members and friends of people who experience self-attractions. sex or gender dysphoria – as well as priests, religious and laity who pastorally serve this community.
The theme of the conference was inspired by the Year of Saint Joseph, proclaimed by Pope Francis on December 8, 2020.
“For the male and female members of Courage, Saint Joseph is a shining example of chaste love, full acceptance of God’s will, and perseverance in virtue, even though this entails great sacrifices,” noted Fr. Philip Bochanski, director. Courage International executive.
“For our EnCourage members, Saint Joseph is a model of genuine fatherhood and a reminder that, to follow God’s plan, in us and in our families, the most important thing is to be close to and centered on Jesus and Mary”, added.
The main speaker will be Dr. Greg Bottaro, director of the CatholicPsych Institute and author of “Consecration to Jesus through Saint Joseph: an integrated look at the Holy Family.”
Other speakers are Mary Rice Hasson, director of the Catholic Women’s Forum; Ricardo Piñeda, of the Fathers of Mercy; and Deacon Patrick Lappert, Courage chaplain and plastic surgeon.
Courage International announced that the 2021 conference will be face-to-face and virtual.
“Last year we learned that offering the conference online helps us reach out to members of the Courage International family around the world – including hundreds of people from Latin America, as well as members from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia – who, in otherwise, they would not be able to participate, ”said Fr Bochanski.
According to the Catholic apostolate, participants will receive talks on different topics such as pastoral care, spirituality, and ways to help family members and loved ones who experience same-sex attractions.
The event will also include Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and confessions.
Registration to participate in person in English can be made until July 1. While the registration for Spanish speakers, to participate in online format, will be from June 20 to July 5.
While some presentations will be in Spanish, others will have simultaneous interpretation.
More details of the conference in Spanish in the following link: https://couragerc.org/conferencia2021/
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