Feminine Genius Brunch, a time of celebrating the uniqueness of women

“Feminine genius,” a phrase coined by Pope St. John Paul II in his 1995 Letter to Women, speaks of how women possess God-given gifts – receptivity, sensitivity, generosity and maternity – and describes how women exhibit an “affective, cultural and spiritual motherhood” which has “inestimable value for the development of individuals and the future of society.”

These unique gifts were the focus of a “Feminine Genius Brunch,” hosted by the Diocese in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Oct. 14.

Some 100 women of various ages came to hear two inspiring women and authors, one a homeschool mom and one a fashion manager, speak on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” and how it transformed their lives and positively impacted their respective vocations in distinct and personal ways.

Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, vicar general, offered the blessing, encouraging guests to “reflect on the great gift” of feminine genius and the “charisms” that women have, mentioning the example of women in his life: his grandmother, his mother, his stepmother and his sister.

Jennifer A. Ruggiero, diocesan secretary of the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life and director of the Office of Human Life and Dignity, said the event was modeled after Feminine Genius events given in the Archdiocese of New York by the Sisters of Life and the Respect Life offices throughout New York City and other regions of New York, with the guidance of Sister of Life Virginia Joy, archdiocesan director of the Respect Life office.

Cristina D’Averso-Collins, diocesan director, Office of Family Life, introduced the first guest speaker, Shannon Whitmore, a homeschooling mom and author of the recently published “See Yourself as God Does: Understanding Holy Body Image.”

Crediting her Catholic high school years for introducing her to “Theology of the Body,” the wife and mother of two holds a master’s degree in theology and spent more than a decade working in religious education, youth ministry and sacramental preparation. Reflecting on her personal journey, Whitmore described her transformation from a self-described perfectionist with a poor body image to having the ability to see herself as God sees her.

“By taking on human flesh from Mary he tells all of us that our bodies are good,” she explained. “He became man to show us the value of our full humanity. Whenever we receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist he is there body, blood, soul and divinity. He is showing us that to be human is to be an embodied soul.”

The second guest speaker, Lillian Fallon, author of the recently published “Theology of Style,” detailed her experiences in the fashion industry in what she thought would be her dream job as style editor at Verily Magazine. Disillusioned with the objectification of women and the endless pursuit of trying to fit in, Fallon found herself in the ashes of her dreams. Greatly impacted by “Theology of the Body” as a student at Ave Maria University, she came to see that the human body expresses the beauty of the soul. “You can dignify and uphold the beauty of your body while also expressing a creative look,” she explained. “Personal style is a chance to express the intangible beauty of your soul, but it is only a tool. You have worth no matter how you look.”

Fallon encourages young girls to get their affirmation from God, who sees them as ‘single, unique and unrepeatable,’ rather than from the culture. “Unrepeatable means no one can replace you in the heart of God and no one can take your place in heaven.”

Karen Ninehan, a former Perth Amboy Catholic School principal, reflected, "The conversations over brunch were about husbands, children, and jobs, not about themselves. The talks demonstrated that it is our nature to put others first, and in the process of tending to their needs and wants, we neglect ourselves. The morning was a welcome affirmation of how God has given us the gifts to care for and nurture others while being especially mindful of our own bodies and souls because we are precious in His sight."

Ruggiero, who called the brunch a “real team effort,” noted that the event was also supported by the offices of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Discipleship Formation for Children. saying the brunch was, hopefully, the first of many of these types of events.