Dr. Acosta began her talk by introducing the Catholic Church as pro-sex, debunking the common mentality of the society towards the Church. She said that God Himself created sex as a sign of love and union between married couples and therefore, the Church does not hinder this sacred act. However, God designed sex particularly for married couples only. It is the culmination of marriage and an act of self-giving where both spouses give their total self to each other, making them no longer two but one. Aside from the unitive function of sex, it is also procreative wherein children are the fruit of spouses' love for each other. This very purpose of sex makes it so special and holy that is should only be shared with someone whom you would like to marry and spend the rest of your life with. Therefore, casual sex, friends-with-benefits sex, pre-marital sex and all such kinds of sex outside marriage simply are not the right thing to do.

Along with the discussion about the truth and meaning of human sexuality, Dr. Acosta also added some poignant statements from ex-porn stars who said that they were truly unhappy with what they were doing. Some of them had even resorted to drugs and alcohol as a way to escape from depression, and behind those smiles on pornographic scenes were women whose lives had been shattered. The ex-porn star named “___” was begging men to throw away all pornographic materials they possess, and instead uphold the dignity of women by truly loving and respecting them. She also shocked the audience when she unrolled a long strip of paper that literally reached the ground, in which an ‘endless’ list of health risks and side effects of contraceptives could be found. TO NAME A FEW, it includes cervical cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, mood disorders, and even permanent loss of sex drive.”
 The talk proper ended with the youth taking an oath of living a pure and chaste life by not engaging in sex until marriage, and by seeing the person’s soul and not just the body. The oath was then followed by a short group sharing focusing on these points of reflection: 1.) How can you help promote the value of life, true love, and chastity among the youth in the modern world? 2.) What is true love? 3.) Do you believe that true love waits until marriage? Why?.

After the group sharing there was a 6-minute video clip showing the horrors of abortion. It showed cut body parts of babies who had been aborted. It evoked feelings of grief among the audience as some people were seen crying. Soon afterwards was a 10-minute silence and contemplation.

The hang-out concluded with a heartfelt song titled “Untold” by Matthew West. It has a powerful message for everyone to cherish the gift of life.
 

By Adeleine Tajora