The Catholic News Vol 60 No 18
Regional Catholic Charismatic Renewal leaders gather in prayer.
Photo by Richard Koh
SINGAPORE – “Duc in altum – Put out into the deep” – Lk 5:4
This challenge from the late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter “Novo Millennio Ineunte” was the theme as regional Catholic Charismatic Renewal leaders from South East Asia gathered in prayer and conference at Dewan St. Anne, Bukit Mertajam, Penang from the Aug 12-15.
Four bishops, 22 priests and over 800 lay leaders from five countries, including 76 persons from Singapore, experienced an intimate time with the Lord in worship, adoration and celebration of the sacraments. It was amazing to witness people of different nations and tongues worship the Lord in a spirit of unity, moved and challenged by the word of God through the talks, worship and ministering sessions.
In the celebration of the Eucharist themed You did not choose me but I chose you (Jn. 15:16), Bishop Antony Selvanayagam, the Episcopal advisor of the CCR in Malaysia, in his homily called on them to be faithful to God to fulfill what is expected of them through their intimacy with God which has to be “twenty four seven” to “remain” with Jesus. This friendship has to influence their words and deeds in such a manner that God the Father will be glorified and miracles will happen.
Michelle Moran, President of International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (ICCRS) and member of the Pontifical Council of the Laity, was the keynote speaker for the conference. She shared about Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 47, saying that many ministries were in their comfort zones at ankle or waist deep water akin to one’s experiences of playing in water as children. She emphasised that as the water rose to the point where one could barely touch the river bed with his feet, one would have to decide whether to wade back into shallow waters of complacency or to respond to the Lord’s invitation to “Cast into the deep” into the living waters of God’s spirit in one’s life, ministry and mission.
Personal testimonies of lives touched and transformed by the love and power of Jesus were shared, edifying the community of leaders, and reminding us that “we love because He first loved us”. (1 Jn 4:19)
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.”
by Daniel Sim
