On the 20^th of October 2020, the Seminarians of Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, gathered in the school’s auditorium to listen to a Talk on Human Life and Sexuality. The talk on human life and sexuality is an integral part of the formative process in Saints Peter and Paul Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan. This activity features in both the first semester and second semester programme of events. Through these lectures, seminarians are sensitized on the need to have a good understanding of how the human system is structured and functions, in order to have an integrated and well balanced life.

The talk was delivered by Professor Michael Asuzu. He defined sexuality as the sum total of that which makes an individual either a male person or a female person. He corrected the erroneous conception of sexuality, stating that sexuality is not all about sex, but the totality of human life.

He spoke about abortion and contraception, maintaining that these are alternatives some persons indulge in order to patronize their passions. In the same light, he noted that many persons are willing to alter their physiology to exonerate their lustful appetite. People go to that extent, at the detriment of their health, just to engage in illicit immoral activities. He cited an example in Australia where the media glamorizes abortion. He condemned such activities that are inimical and contrary to medicine, science in general and the sanctity of human life.

Furthermore, he talked about the four types of love: Agape, Filia, Platonic and Eros. Agape is divine love and is available to all; Filia is the love that exists within a family, in order to foster unity among family members; Platonic love develops and exists between people with common interests and this type of love diminishes when the ground of common interest ceases to exist; Eros is a type of love that is fuelled by lust and selfish desires. According to him, true human love and friendship is the remedy for moral decadence. He stressed that we are all loved and by that fact, products of love. If one is not loved, then he would not exist. Once we are able to arrive at this realization, loving ourselves and not indulging in compensatory sexual activities will be the order of the day in our societies.

Finally, he encouraged everyone to live chaste lives. He admonished all to be true pastors of the family. The implication of this is that when the family is evangelized, evangelizing the world will be less tasking. It is the responsibility of priests to create awareness against societal ills, especially abortion and contraception. He concluded by recommending some useful texts that are related to human life and sexuality to all present. It was indeed an enlightening and interesting session for all participants.