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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2008 /  Local woman among delegates to Congress on Women

by Joe Kohn of The Michigan Catholic
Published February 29, 2008

Tomeo

Detroit — Teresa Tomeo is no stranger to pilgrimages, conferences and being in the company of Church leaders, but the recent congress to mark the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter to Women, she said, was the "most profound and affirming faith event I've ever attended."

A speaker, author and talk show host on Ave Maria Radio (990 AM), Tomeo — a member of St. Joan of Arc Parish in St. Clair Shores — was among about 30 delegates from the United States on hand at the Feb. 7-9 congress. The event revolved around the former pontiff's "Mulieris Dignitatem" ("On the Dignity and Vocation of Women").

Much of what was discussed by Pope Benedict XVI, bishops and other speakers at the congress, she said, pertains to the culture's poor treatment of women.

"In my work, in media awareness and activism, I see definite issues that are facing women today," Tomeo said in a phone interview after the conference. "There are women who are struggling with eating disorders, with depression, with problems in their marriage and in their family. The culture has a lot to do with that, especially the culture's treatment of Christian, and primarily Catholic, teaching. We've seen this promotion of abortion, birth control, euthanasia — this whole culture of death in which women are greatly affected and targeted."

Tomeo said the Pontifical Council for the Laity, which hosted the congress, examined the issues facing women in light of John Paul II's increasingly relevant letter. Much of the conference focused on how mass media misrepresent what God intended for women.

It was reaffirming, she added, to know that Church leaders understand and support women in the Church.

"It was comforting for me to know that this is coming from God, this is coming from the Church, and it is understandable for everybody," Tomeo said. "It really boils down to the basic understanding that we are created in the image and likeness of God."

Tomeo said she's using her radio program and speaking engagements to encourage women to get familiar with "Mulieris Dignitatem," and also with what Pope Benedict XVI said about the document.

"The Church is teaching," she said. "We have to make an effort. We can't just expect to be spoon fed. These documents are there, and the Church is teaching on them in a profound way."

Also important, she added, is that they're understandable.

"I don't have a theology degree, I have a journalism degree," Tomeo said. "If I can understand this stuff, then so can the average person."

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