Paul KeenanThe Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement will hold its annual conference this June 28 and 29 at the Concert Hall, RDS, Dublin.
The weekend will be one of teaching, testimony, Eucharist; praise of God in music, song and words. The main speaker for the event will be Ralph Martin from the United States, while Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Bishop Martin Drennan will be the main celebrants at Masses on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) began at a retreat for college students at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in February 1967. Many people believe that the Renewal was a direct answer to the prayer of Pope John XXIII to the Holy Spirit (1961) to “renew your wonders in our time”.
The students spent much of the weekend in prayer, asking God to allow them to experience the grace of both Baptism and Confirmation. The students, that weekend, had a powerful and transforming experience of God, which came to be known as ‘baptism in the Spirit’.
Experience
The Charismatic experience and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit quickly spread: to other college campuses and throughout the Church, first in the United States, but rapidly throughout the world.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is currently present in more than 200 countries and has touched the lives of over 120 million Catholics.
Further details can be obtained from Sr Bridget Dunne, 021-4251100 email: bridgetdunne@eircom.net