Please join us for our annual Catholic Professionals Conference and Mini-Retreat: Living by the Light at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Fultonville, NY. Our conference theme is Gender Dysphoria: Justice and Compassionate Care.
The morning professional program will explore the medical, legal, and theological dimensions of gender dysphoria, featuring expert presentations and Q&A sessions. The afternoon mini-retreat will include a pilgrimage walk, rosary, and reflection on Christian hope. The day will conclude with opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and Mass. The Shrine is an approved pilgrimage site in this Jubilee Year, so visiting the Shrine during this event would incur an indulgence!
When: August 23rd, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Where: Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine, 136 Shrine Rd., Fultonville, NY 12072
In the face of gender dysphoria and the suffering it may bring, how should we respond with truth and compassion? What are the medical, legal, and theological considerations surrounding this complex issue? This year’s Catholic Professionals Conference offers a morning program exploring these questions through expert presentations from medical, legal, and faith-based perspectives.
Paul Hruz MD begins with "Safety and Efficacy of Medical Interventions to alleviate suffering from Gender Dysphoria”. John Bursch, JD will follow with “Justice and Gender Dysphoria: NY and Federal Implications”. The morning will close with a virtual presentation “Gender and the Theology of the Body” with Jason Evert.
Finding meaning in suffering is central to the Christian journey. In the afternoon, Beth Lynch will lead a walking tour and Pilgrimage of Hope, reflecting on the witness of the Martyrs of Ossernenon. The pilgrimage will conclude with a rosary in the Ravine, offering a time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Location: Visitors Center
“Safety and Efficacy of Medical Interventions to alleviate suffering from Gender Dysphoria” with Paul Hruz, MD
“Justice and Gender Dysphoria: NY and Federal Implications” with John Bursch, JD
“Gender and the Theology of the Body” with Jason Evert
“The Martyrs of Ossernenon” Walking Tour and Pilgrimage of Hope followed by Rosary in the Ravine with Beth Lynch
Paul Hruz MD. Ph.D. is an academic pediatric endocrinologist and tenured physician scientist with faculty appointments in both Pediatrics and Cellular Biology and Physiology. Dr. Hruz has over 25 years of clinical experience in caring for children with disorders of sexual development. He has received certification in Healthcare Ethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center. He has served as a consultant for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
John Bursch JD serves as Vice President of Appellate Advocacy for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a global public-interest law firm defending religious liberty, free speech, parental rights, marriage and family, and the right to life. John recently argued his 13th case in the U.S. Supreme Court, including cases defending the Catholic Church’s teachings on marriage, sexuality, and unborn life.
Jason Evert is a nationally acclaimed speaker who has traveled to six continents to bring the message of purity to millions of people for more than 25 years. Jason earned a master’s degree in Theology, and undergraduate degrees in Counseling and Theology, with a minor in Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is the best-selling author of 20 books including Saint John Paul the Great, How to Find Your Soulmate
Beth Lynch, RN has been affiliated with the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, NY, as its museum manager, pilgrimage coordinator, and editor of The Pilgrim publication since 2008. She appeared on EWTN with Father Mitch Pacwa, S.J., Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., and Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. She is among the commentators in the EWTN documentary Footprint in the Wilderness about the capture of the Auriesville Martyrs, and in Kateri – All for God.
Catholic Medical Association - Albany Guild
Catholic Lawyers Guild of the Diocese of Albany
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
The conference and mini-retreat may be attended in its entirety (full day), or partially (the afternoon sessions). Registration at the door is $120.
Please enter your registration details below! Clergy and religious are free of charge.
This includes lunch
The afternoon session begins after lunch
