Holy Desire: God, Sex and Eros

On Wednesday, July 23 at 7 pm, Dr. Donald Cozzens spoke at the College of St. Catherine [CSC] on Holy Desire: God, Sex and Eros. The lecture, sponsored by *Wisdom Ways, wisdomwayscenter.org/, and supported by the Brendan Family Foundation was attended by approximately 250 people. The group was welcomed to the presentation by Erika Schwichtenberg, a representative of Wisdom Ways who introduced Dr. Russell Connors, professor and chair of the Department of Theology at CSC, who this summer is co-teaching with Dr. Cozzens a course in Spirituality and Sexuality.

Dr. Connors introduced Dr. Cozzens as a Writer in Residence and Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies at John Carroll University in Cleveland. Dr. Cozzens also spent the 2001-2002 academic year as a scholar at the Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he studied the dynamics of institutional denial. His research led to his award-winning book, Sacred Silence: Denial and the Crisis in the Church (Liturgical Press, 2002). Dr. Cozzens’ post-seminary graduate work has led to an M.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Kent State University.

Dr. Cozzens’ presentation affirmed the Catholic belief that the body is holy and desire is anchored in our longing for union/communion with others and ultimately, intimacy with our God. Sexual desire, like spirituality always points to relationality. Cozzens further stated that a fundamental task of adult maturity involves developing the aptitude for friendship and intimacy—an aptitude for both those called to celibacy or to a committed sexual relationship.

During the question and answer period, Dr. Cozzens was recognized for his contribution to initiating an honest discussion of sexuality within the clerical and hierarchical structure of the Church. He was also challenged by members of the audience that the majority of the authorities he referenced in his presentation were celibate clergy and religious leaders. Dr. Cozzens, in his characteristically gracious style, accepted the criticism and offered a few additional references of lay, both male and female theologians, who are writing in the area of spirituality and sexuality.

In his free time, Father Cozzens enjoys playing racquetball, reading about history and theology, “leisurely meals with great conversation” and “long walks in the woods.”

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Phil Klees, aka Dr. Phil, is a licensed psychologist with clinical expertise with adolescents, adults and, couples and families. He has been nomadic in his career working in Anchorage, AK, Little Rock, AR (shook Bill Clinton’s hand—YES!!!) and Miami, FL. Three years ago he returned to his home state of Minnesota. Phil has been emotionally connected to SJA for 20+ years and an official member since returning to Minneapolis. Phil can be contacted at psklees@yahoo.com.

* Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality is a support and resource for people in the Twin Cities and the Upper Midwest community who are spiritual seekers. Established in 1994, it is a spirituality ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province.

Wisdom Ways endeavors to create a network of resources for spirituality in contemporary life and culture, and to serve and enrich theological education and spiritual opportunity. Its work springs from the Roman Catholic traditions of intellectual inquiry, spiritual development and social justice as embodied in its sponsoring organization. Services and programs are inclusive in scope, and Wisdom Ways’ mission is directed to all regardless of their religious affiliation.