The Diocese of Charleston and Family Honor, Inc. are sponsoring a Theology of the Body conference from July 6-7 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Simpsonville, S.C.

The event offers an opportunity for families to meet some of the foremost experts in the study of Pope John Paul II’s teaching called “The Theology of the Body.” The teaching comes from a series of lectures given by Pope John Paul II during his Wednesday audiences in the Pope Paul VI Hall between September 1979 and November 1984.

Featured speakers at the conference will be Dr. Janet Smith, Katrina Zeno, Dr. Ray Guarendi, Father Thomas Loya, Dr. Bob Schuchts and Damon Owens.

Smith holds the Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. She speaks nationally and internationally on the Catholic teachings on sexuality and on bioethics and has published numerous articles on sexuality and bioethics. Smith is serving a third term as a consulter to the Pontifical Council on the Family.

Zeno co-hosted a 13-part series on EWTN on Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” and is the author of “Discovering the Feminine Genius” and “When Life Doesn’t Go Your Way.” She has spoken across the U.S., Europe, Central America and Canada, and over 50 of her articles have appeared in national publications and online.

Father of 10, clinical psychologist, author, public speaker and nationally syndicated radio host of “The Doctor Is In,” Guarendi has appeared on regional radio and television shows in over 40 states and Canada. He is the author of numerous books, including “You’re a Better Parent Than You Think!”

The pastor of Annunciation of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Parish in Homer Glen, Ill., Father Loya is also the host of “Light of the East Radio” heard on EWTN Radio affiliates, Ave Maria Radio, and the Guadalupe Radio Network. During his time in Rome, Father Loya was first exposed to Pope John Paul II’s monumental teaching on the human person when he attended his weekly audiences about the Theology of the Body.

Schuchts is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has integrated the charism of healing into his therapy practice and teaching/training activities for the past 30 years. He has developed a truly holistic approach to healing, incorporating Catholic theology with various schools of counseling and inner healing prayer.

Owens is the founder of Joy Filled Marriage, a nonprofit organization providing training, resources, and support for engaged and married couples. He and his wife Melanie have been teaching and promoting natural family planning.