Faith & Fitness Young Adult Program

The Faith and Fitness program, a new initiative at the Office of Catholic Youth created by Fr. Paul Magyar, integrates physical exercise with spiritual practices to promote holistic well-being. Rooted in the understanding that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), the program emphasizes that physical health is integral to spiritual growth, reflecting the choices we make in our daily lives. Inspired by Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings in Deus Caritas Est, which highlight the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical dimensions of love, and by St. John Paul II’s emphasis on the dignity of the human body and the value of fitness, the program invites participants to nurture both body and soul.

Through disciplined, prayerful fitness routines and outdoor excursions, participants are encouraged to cultivate a balanced life that glorifies God in all aspects of their being. By combining activities like Scripture study and reflections on Catholic Tradition with physical training, the program offers a unique opportunity to deepen one’s faith while embracing the unity of body and spirit.

One recent Faith and Fitness event was a Muay Thai session held in collaboration with Covenant House Toronto. The afternoon began with praying the Rosary, followed by a moving faith testimony shared by Ram Villardo, the spiritual advisor of Covenant House. Afterward, he led the young adults through a dynamic Muay Thai training session. The event brought together approximately 40 participants, creating a powerful and inspiring experience that seamlessly blended prayer, community and physical activity.

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