Let the Oppressed Go Free: Breaking the Bonds of Addiction
A very successful and well-attended One-Day Conference on Addictions was held at the Sheraton City Center Hotel in Philadelphia on November 5, 2010. The conference focused on the spiritual and therapeutic dimensions of clinical and pastoral care based on the Roman Catholic approach to addiction from Cardinal Justin Rigali's book, "Let the Oppressed Go Free: Breaking the Bonds of Addiction."
Cardinal Rigali answered the question: What has the Church said and done about Addictions? The Cardinal said, "The Church has addressed addiction and psychological dependency in many ways. It has done this by calling for care for those who are addicted and dependent, by offering continued guidance for those in recovery, and by issuing a call for strategies aimed at the prevention of addiction. In a particular way, the Church has called attention to the underlying causes of addiction." 375 people from across the country attended to hear presentations on prevention, treatment and the recovery of addictions. Attendees included Clergy, Religious, Psychologists, Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists, School Administrators and Teachers.
Saint John Vianney Center was represented by Father Gerard J. McGlone, S.J., Ph.D., Executive Director, with his presentation: "Caught in the Net – Understanding Sexual Addiction: The Pastoral and Personal Implications of the Internet." Other speakers included Keynotes by Sis Wenger and Rev. Mark Hushen, OSFS., Rev. Edward Reading, Ph.D, LCADC, Patricia O'Gorman, Ph.D, and Rev. Paul White also presented. A closing Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul ended the conference. Cardinal Justin Rigali was the Principal Celebrant and Homilist.
Saint John Vianney Center, Catholic Health Care Services and Guest House Institute sponsored the Addictions Conference. Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) were also obtained for attending the conference.
