St. Matthew's Prayer Group

I visited St. Matthew’s Prayer Meeting on August 19, 2010. I must say I was impressed. There were 50 people at the meeting and several people including the leader were away. I have learned that the prayer meeting is up to 65 worshipers weekly and now that they are finishing their Life in the Spirit Seminar they are expecting a new influx of members. Father Obiwumma, who is their pastor and Archbishop Miller’s liaison to the Charismatic Renewal, says he estimates the number to exceed 80 members at the meetings. WOW!!!

(left to right) Manny Pastor, Nadia Baldonero,

Father Augustine Obiwumma,

Doreen Dagenais, Nina Cosare (front)

and Nette and Fin Panganiban

 

 

(left to right) Jerry De Abreau, Linda De Abreau,

Maryann Cruz (holding banner) Nessie Banania,

Cholita Convery, Marichu Torrijos,

  Eddie Parinas, Ed Bunagan, (front) Nina Cosare

 

I found the meeting much like meetings 30 or 40 years ago with spontaneous, joyful fun praising with familiar hymns and considerable manifestations of the charismatic gifts. There was also wonderful sharing, inspiring testimonies and beautiful singing. So much in one evening of prayer!

 

 

I asked Luce Boivin, the prayer group leader, what was the secret to their success at St. Matthew's but he humbly replied that he had no idea - it is just the move of the Spirit. Over the last few years or so, he said, people just kept coming. Luce does not consider himself gifted as a praise leader but he and his wife Jeanne are prayer group leaders who allow people to use their gifts; music and singing gifts, praise leading gifts and charismatic gifts. These gifts surface in a wonderful blend of prayer and praise that bring the group into a deep experience of the presence of God.

 

If you would like a good old fashioned joyful praise and worship in the spontaneous and open style, visit St. Matthew’s for a memorable experience of praise and worship of the Lord.

The Happy Gang

 

St. Matthew’s Prayer Meeting is held Mondays at 7:30 pm at in the Church Fireside Room - they may have to move to larger quarters. Come and visit for a traditional charismatic experience.