By Mike Weaver
Treasurer and Trustee, Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference

The Annual August Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference, 12th-16th August, “enlightened, enthused, inspired”

130 eager delegates gathered at the Royal Court Hotel in Coventry to ponder the Conference theme based on the Book of Revelation. Delegates were called to be Ready with Zeal - “for the Wedding of the Lamb has come” (Chapter 19 Verse 7). 

Bishop of Northampton David Oakley posed the question: What is zeal? Words like dedication, enthusiastic, motivated and willing came to mind. A zealot can be seen as fanatical in pursuit of ideals or uncompromising when standing against cultural standards. Quoting the Old Testament prophet Elijah “with zeal have I been jealous for the Lord God of Hosts” (1 Kings 19 v14) Bishop David urged delegates to be prepared to be used for his purposes - always remembering that zeal has to be seen through the lens of Our Blessed Lord Jesus. 

Canon Michael Mitton from the Anglican Diocese of Derby spoke of how the Celtic saints, full of zeal, are an inspiration for prayer and renewal – Aidan, Patrick, Brendan of Clonfert, Bridget of Kildare, Chad, Columba, Cuthbert and Boisil, Hilda and Caedmon of Whitby.

John Hesketh drew on more than 25 years in Christian Ministry as a teacher, youth minister, school chaplain and actor to share his testimony providing an inspiring story of hardships and challenges overcome – a life journey now filled with zeal for evangelisation.

Marino Restrepo passionately shared his remarkable story. Born in the mountains of Colombia he drifted from Catholicism. Rebels kidnapped him. During captivity he went through a mystical experience with God that changed his life forever. Marino was miraculously released from captivity after a miracle of God. He then returned to his Catholic faith. He is now a full-time missionary for the Catholic Church. He is constantly on mission around the world. 

Mark McClean showed his passion for the Catholic faith and evangelising by focussing on the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary over the centuries – e.g. Guadalupe, Quito Ecuador, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje and presented a detailed context of how God is preparing his people for the extraordinary times in which we are living.

Ros Powell preached daily on prophecies received.

The Conference was blessed by the presence of supporters of Mary’s Meals and over £1,000 was donated by delegates. Conference youngster Michael Glover told us of his planned fundraising 10-mile Three Peaks Challenge walk in September for Mary’s Meals. 

There were opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Music, Healing and Youth ministries served the Conference.

Holy Mass was offered daily by:

Father Andrew Richardson, Pastoral Co-ordinator and Formation Tutor at St Mary’s College, Oscott, Sutton Coldfield;

Bishop David Oakley, Bishop of Northampton;

Father Des Devanney, Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Assumption, Coventry; 

Father Eamonn Corduff, Parish Priest, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire; and

Bishop Tim Menezes, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, Patron of the Conference, celebrated Holy Mass to close the Conference.

Photograph: Preparing to celebrate Holy Mass at the Conference are l-r Brother Andrew Ferris, Father Des Devanney, Bishop of Northampton Diocese David Oakley, Youth Conference supporter and Altar Server Michael Glover and Father Andrew Richardson.

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