In building an understanding of love and sexuality in the Catholic Tradition, as well as addressing the serious issues of violence against women and other affronts to their inherent dignity as children of God, we hope that Catholic colleges and universities will consider alternatives to the offensive play The Vagina Monologues. The Cardinal Newman Society is prepared to help with suggestions, advice, and even financial support for such projects. Contact us at (703) 367-0333 with any questions or use our contact form.

Much healthier and more mature approaches can be used to discuss women’s concerns including violence, health, and sexuality. For example, the Cardinal Newman Society is proud this year to be supporting the Edith Stein Project at the University of Notre Dame. Students organized this two-day conference “toward integral healing for women and culture” as an alternative to The Vagina Monologues that is much more appropriate to an institution of higher education.
Other possible alternatives include:

• Host a lecture. Possible lecturers could come from the university itself, or from the local area. Perhaps a local doctor or psychiatrist would be fitting. Topics could include violence against women, St. Valentine, the nature of love, or relationships.
• Organize a mass or prayer event, possibly the rosary.
• Host a women’s retreat, focusing on the nature of womanhood.
• Host a truly romantic movie.
  

We pray that you will take to heart the words of John Paul II, when he said in Mulieris Dignitatem, “Our time in particular awaits the manifestation of that ‘genius’ which belongs to women, and which can ensure sensitivity for human beings in every circumstance: because they are human!”—and because “the greatest of these is love.” Please take a positive step in helping this manifestation arrive on Catholic college campuses.