The Holy Spirit did a new thing in British Columbia this summer, and Catholic charismatic leaders say they are ready for a fresh start.

                Fifty-five leaders from across the province gathered in Kelowna Aug. 9-15 for Our Lady of Pentecost Summer Institute, a first-ever week-long training session focused on what the Spirit is saying to the Church, through the Bible and through Church leaders.

                Sponsored by the Nelson Diocese Charismatic Renewal Service Committee and endorsed by Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of B.C., the event was originally scheduled for Seton House of Prayer, but registration exceeded Seton House’s capacity and the sessions were moved to St. Charles Garnier parish. In addition to the 55 full-week registrants, a number of other people attended one or more days of the institute.

                Theme was “Behold, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19).

                Guest speakers were Fr. Gabriel de Chadarevian OP of Vancouver, originator of the proposal for the institute; popular conference speaker John Connelly of Burns Lake; Fr. Don Wilson, director of Seton House and a pioneer of the Catholic charismatic renewal in B.C.; Gladys Miller, chair of the Nelson service committee and chief organizer of the institute; and Richard Dunstan, chair of the provincial service committee and editor of B.C. Charismatic. (For more on their talks, see separate stories in the link below.) Panel discussions followed each of the two daily talks.

 

                The event also featured daily Mass, and devotional events each evening, ranging from charismatic prayer meetings to Eucharistic adoration.

 

                Comments from participants expressed new hope for the renewal in B.C.

 

                “I have felt as if I was floating on a deadened sea and the Institute provided the wind needed to fill my sails that I might go forward with purpose and power,” said Vicki Conroy of Kelowna, a long-time missionary and charismatic leader.

                “God was clearly getting our attention,” said Vernon Robertson, chair of Vancouver Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services. “It is not business as usual; He is truly doing a new thing.”

 

                Discussions have begun concerning an institute for 2010, but location and other details have yet to be decided. More information will be published in the spring B.C. Charismatic newsletter and on the CCRS of B.C. website as it becomes available.

 

                Organizers wish to thank many people, including Fr. Wayne Pfliger, pastor of St. Charles Garnier, parish manager Marilee O’Donnell, and Kevin Kishor and the parish youth group; Peg Day, who developed the brochure along with Fr. Wilson; and Evelyn, cook from Seton House, and her team, who provided meals to rave reviews.

 

                “We must express our gratitude and recognition to the Holy Spirit who enabled and directed the entire process,” said Miller.

 

                The organizing committee consisted of Gladys Miller, Fr. Don Wilson, Fr. Gabriel de Chadarevian OP, Madeleine Allen, Flo Reid, Johanna Tournemille, Linda Adams and Richard Dunstan.

Lennie David getting the group ready for praise and worship and below when the glory of God descends

By clicking here catch the prophetic messages of John Connelly, Father Gabriel, Gladys Miller, Father Don and Richard Dunstan and a message that asks your prayerful discernment.