Priest addresses natural law, theology of the body
"When it comes to marriage, there is a natural law," said Father Brian Mullady. "As sweat exists to cool the body, human seed exists for one purpose - to produce babies."
Mullady, a noted theologian who teaches around the globe, will present "Three to Get Married" at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Marytown, a national shrine in Libertyville, 1600 W. Park Ave.
The event is recommended for Catholics who want a greater understanding of the church's essential position on marriage and sexuality, and is appropriate for teenagers and adults. The presentation is hosted by Lake County Right to Life, an organization dedicated to informing and educating the community about the value of human life.
"Father Mullady addresses the often divisive subjects of marriage, divorce and sexuality in profound, yet approachable, ways," said Bonnie Quirke, president of Lake County Right to Life. "We eagerly welcome his defense of traditional marriage in a society that has turned tradition upside down."
Mullady draws from St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, St. Thomas Aquinas and the principles of natural law to justify the Catholic teaching on marriage.
The title, "Three to Get Married," is drawn from a biblical reference to Ecclesiastes 4:12, "a threefold cord is not quickly broken," often used to refer to marriage between a man and woman as strengthened by their mutual reliance on God.
This idea was popularized by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in his books and speaking.
Mullady offered this in reference to his presentation, "Sex concerns the innermost spiritual being of people. It is a level of soul connection that is only intended to bind a man and woman together and last until death parts them.
"Catholic doctrine is clear, a man and a woman give themselves to one another through acts which are exclusively intended for marriage and complement the unique biological makeup of each gender."
A Dominican and Doctor of Sacred Theology, Mullady has openly criticized governmental endorsement of same-sex marriage. He said, "It is contrary to the natural law and is one of the things that will undercut the existence of the family and the state, because the family is the building block of the state."
The Saturday program begins at 8 a.m. It's free and includes a light continental breakfast, but reservations are required.
To register or obtain more information about "Three to Get Married," Father Brian Mullady and Lake County Right to Life, visit http://lcrtl.org/three-to-get-married-presented-by-father-brian-mullady or call (847) 223-7022.
While this event is geared to those who participate in the Catholic Church, it is open to anyone interested in the topic of biblical marriage and sexuality.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.