Auxiliary Bishop Francis R. Reiss places the monstrance on the altar during the concluding Benediction of the 2015 Lenten Symposium on March 14.Sterling Heights — Much conversation about evangelization focuses on getting people back to church, explained Ralph Martin at Holy Trinity Apostolate’s 2015 Lenten Symposium.
This is important, said Martin in his talk March 14 to the crowd filling the main church of SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, where the daylong symposium was held.
However, it is possible “for people to be active in our churches and not be converted,” said Martin, president of Renewal Ministries and an instructor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
He cited St. John Paul II’s encyclical “Redemptoris Missio,” which asks for more than mere church attendance; namely, “complete and sincere adherence to Christ and his Gospel through faith.”
Martin’s talk, like his fellow speakers’ presentations, followed the symposium theme of “The Healing Power of Jesus: The Source of the New Evangelization.”
Sr. Sara Marie Kowal, SCTJM, presented on “Grace, Nature and the Healing of Our Humanity.”
Ralph Martin, director of Renewal Ministries and a professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, said the work of evangelization is about more than simply encouraging church participating or “filling the pews” at Mass.We must not simply pray for healing from past wounds, Sr. Kowal explained, though this is still crucial. However, healing is a conscious choice and a process.
Additionally, wounds can become like “fountains” of grace, she said: “Just like in Lourdes, Our Lady appeared in a garbage dump. But now it is one of the most visited and beautiful shrines in all the world.”
Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron spoke on the Christian family as an agent and witness of the New Evangelization.
He shared the story of years ago witnessing his father silently praying the Confiteor, and the profound effect it had on his own faith.
Archbishop Vigneron said the Church’s teachings on marriage, sexuality and family life is not a burden, but rather, “God’s authoritative answer of how we can find true fulfillment — and along with it he gives us his help so that we can respond again, and never give up responding, even when we fail.”
Fr. Luigi Gabris, visiting from Slovakia, spoke on blockages in the spiritual life, including anxiety, disobedience, selfishness, pride and wrong motives for prayer.
“Purify your motives,” said Fr. Gabris. “Ask the Holy Spirit, ‘Please give me your inspiration, give me your thoughts, give me your plans. Your will be done.’”
Fr. Peter Glas, an English member of the Association of International Exorcists, spoke on the reality of the devil and how Christians can defend themselves through the light of Christ.
He said the topic of Satan and evil spirits is not discussed much in contemporary circles, “but they do exist. They are real.”
However, “we should not be thinking about the devil all the time. We need to have our eyes fixed on God. So many people are fascinated with the devil, that that is a problem.”
Janet Smith,an instructor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and sought-after speaker on life issues, spoke on the connection between contraception, abortion and euthanasia. She referenced court cases arguing for the right to physician-assisted suicide, pointing out that these cases have cited abortion rights.
“If I have a right to an abortion, a right to kill someone else because that person’s life is inconvenient to me, how can I not have a right to kill myself?” said Smith. “The logic is impeccable.”
A youth symposium was also held that day parallel to the main event; speakers included Fr. John Simoneau, LC, and Fr. Marko Djonovic in addition to the speakers from the adults’ symposium.
Holy Trinity Apostolate
Holy Trinity Apostolate was founded by Servant of God Fr. John A. Hardon, SJ. For more information, visit www.holytrinityapostolate.com.
