Sr. Miriam attended TOB1 Head and Heart Immersion Course in September 2009

God bless you!

My name is Sr. Miriam James Heidland and I am a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) serving in Seattle, WA.

I first came to hear Christopher West’s presentation of John Paul II’s theology of the body many years ago when I was a novice in Rome.  We listened to Christopher’s talks as part of our formation in religious life and I remember thinking that it was interesting, but that was about it.  A few years later, I saw Christopher speak in Fargo, ND and began reading some theology of the body materials from time to time.  I thoroughly enjoyed Theology of the Body for Beginners and began to ponder the striking beauty of theology of the body more deeply.

In the last year, I have been undergoing a tremendous amount of healing and growth in my life.  So when Christopher came to Seattle this summer and mentioned the idea of coming to TOB Institute’s Head and Heart Immersion Course, I knew I had to go.  I was not sure what to expect as I packed my things and prepared for the journey to the retreat center.  I figured I would learn some more about theology of the body and have some time to pray about it, but I never prepared myself for a heart transplant!  

The Head and Heart Immersion Course completely blew me away and rocked me to my very foundation.  After spending the week immersed in Christopher’s genuine and passionate presentation of John Paul II’s transformational teaching, I am CONVINCED that theology of the body will heal the world.  This is because theology of the body reminds us that Christ, the Bridegroom, is the ultimate answer to all the brokenness we face in this world.  Christ is the answer to healing hearts, restoring dignity and setting all of humanity free to truly love because Christ is God who is love!  The course helped me fall in love with Jesus all over again.  I am so excited that “there is always more” with our Lord.  I have never felt more strengthened in my own vocation as a Bride of Christ and my call to love. 

Since I have returned, I have been telling everyone about the riches of this amazing program.  I hope one day to participate in all that TOB Institute has to offer!  I trust that the theology of the body will continue to profoundly affect my life, my relationship with God, and my interactions with every man and woman who God sends to me.

Sr. Miriam and her fellow Sisters of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity