TOB Testimony: Casting My Net Deep

By: Deacon Kevin

When the sunlight reflecting off the trees behind my parent’s house turned gold, I could not believe how much time had passed. It took a full seven hours to recount the highlights from TOB 2: Into the Deep with my family. Between the lectures, liturgies, people and prayer, my second theology of the body immersion week provided many amazing memories and experiences. My family and I laughed and cried together as I shared all of the great events and encounters from the course, which the Lord gave in abundance throughout the week.

For me, Theology of the Body Institute’s certification courses are unique because they provide an atmosphere where the Theology of the Body is lived, not just learned. As I have said many times about my first course without any exaggeration, “It is the closest to Eden I’ve ever felt.” It is an oasis in the desert of this world where the person seeking to be transformed can be refreshed. It is a week of hope! Throughout the course you are surrounded by people of all vocations earnestly seeking to become the men and women they were meant to be. This creates an environment where the walls we build to defend ourselves can come down. Growing closer to other devout Christian men and women from around the world is a highlight of the week and a great encouragement for me.

While one can learn a great deal from Christopher West’s lectures, the greatest lessons come from what the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts. The classes are amazing catalysts for prayer and conversion. For me, TOB 2: Into the Deep was able to bridge the gap between my head and heart much more than even the first immersion course. The lectures focused on the Scriptures in the Song of Songs and the Book of Tobit and were particularly enlightening.

The whole class experience also made the liturgy come alive in a way I have never experienced before. The reflection on the spousal symbols of the liturgy seen through lens of Tobit forever changed the way I view the altar, chalice and chalice veil. I will never forget the closing Mass, which served as a culmination of everything we had learned during the week. I was not alone when tears of joy, wonder and awe filled the room as we realized the love of the Bridegroom made visible for us in the Eucharist. It is the most mystical Mass I have ever been to in my life.

As a deacon in the final months of preparation for my priestly ordination, the course integrated so much of what I have learned over the years. I cannot imagine a better gift to have right before I enter into the spousal mystery of Jesus’ priesthood. I know that no matter what difficulties are ahead, I will always look back to this week and find hope in what the Lord is doing in the hearts of so many from all around the world.

Deacon Kevin McQuone will complete his seminary formation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, FL in May. He will be ordained a priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in June 2010. Deacon Kevin was first introduced to the Theology of the Body at Florida State University just before he considered God was calling him to chaste celibacy his junior year. He attended the TOB 1: Head and Heart Immersion Course in August 2007 and recently attended his second course, TOB 2: Into the Deep, in January 2010. As Theology of the Body has directly influenced Deacon Kevin since the beginning of his priestly discernment, he hopes this teaching will continue to bring fruitfulness to his priestly ministry for years to come.