The Secret to Unlocking the Mysteries of Humanity Lies in Understanding True Love

What if the secret to unlocking the mysteries of humanity lies in understanding true love? Join Linda Piper and me on a journey inspired by the transformative teachings of St. John Paul II's theology of the body. We ponder how faith can serve as an anchor amidst cultural chaos, using the Song of Songs as a metaphor for love that transcends mere emotion. By observing the rhythms of nature, especially the renewal found in springtime, we find a reflection of divine love that speaks to the heart's deepest longings.

Have we lost touch with authentic love in a world enamored with superficial connections? Our conversation with Linda explores the profound importance of relationships rooted in genuine love, as highlighted by the personalistic norm, that insists love is the only proper response to another person. We confront the challenges posed by modern hookup culture and rediscover the beauty of values like chastity and dignity, drawing from the teachings of Pope John Paul II and the redemptive love of Christ the Redeemer. Life devoid of such love is incomplete, and we emphasize experiencing its fullness within families and profound relationships.

Reference: Man and Woman He Created Them, A Theology of the Body, #110

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The John Paul II Renewal Center team

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
― St. Catherine of Siena

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Jack Rigert is a co-founder of the John Paul II Renewal Center and leads our outreach. He is also a writer for several online Catholic outlets. Previously, Jack was a professional chef and entrepreneur who owned restaurants, real estate, and a financial service company.

Dramatic “encounters” with Jesus Christ at his dying brother’s bedside and again in the Eucharist at his brother’s funeral, brought him back into the Church after a twenty-year absence. While attending graduate school in Theology, Jack came across the teaching of Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” He immediately understood that this was the treasure he had been seeking all his life, sold everything, and now travels the country presenting Parish Missions, Retreats, and Classes. Jack has three grown children and seven grandchildren. He lives in Elburn, Illinois with his wife, Jeannie and is an active member of St. Gall’s Parish, in Elburn, IL.

Linda Pieper is a retired Special Education teacher. Her life journey has taken many twists and turns with blessings and challenges alike. Born and raised in the Chicago area suburbs, she earned degrees from Illinois State University (Speech Pathology and Learning Disabilities) and National Lewis University (master’s in education). While raising young children, Linda taught in Special Education for several years. Her husband’s work transfer to the Atlanta area required a new endeavor landing in Alcohol and Drug Prevention instruction to DUI offenders and training of new instructors. A subsequent transfer sent her and her husband to Sydney, Australia where she delighted in meeting the people, learning the culture firsthand, and enjoying the beautiful and unique features of “the land down under.” Throughout it all, Linda’s faith was both strengthened through active participation in liturgy, prayer, and adult faith formation and challenged by a host of events involving her (by now) adult children and their life choices.

Working through issues of career and marriage choices of her children led her to the teachings of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Linda subsequently attended the Theology of the Body Institute and earned a certification. She became a founding board member of the John Paul II Renewal Center.