2019 Southern Regional Conference Event Report

The annual Catholic Charismatic Conference was held March 29 – 31 at the Copeland Tower Suites and Conference Center in Metairie, LA with the theme “The Spirit of Truth – Signs, Wonders and Miracles.” Over 600 people from the Gulf South were in attendance and they experienced anointed teachings, beautiful liturgical celebrations, charismatic prayer and dramatic demonstrations of the healing power of God.

The event featured Dr. Mary Healy, a professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Fr. Mathias Thelen, pastor and senior leader of Encounter Ministries in Michigan, Barbara Heil, international evangelist and convert, Fr. Deogratias Ekisa of Notre Dame Seminary, Deacon Larry and Andi Oney and Casey Sprehe of the Conference Steering Committee. Music ministry was provided by Joyful Noise, No Loud Rocks and guest musician Sean Tobin of Los Angeles.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond expressed his “gratitude to the Charismatic Renewal and to Patti and Al Mansfield   for being such an important and vital part to the renewing of our church today. The Church is in a time of renewal and a time of evangelization. The Church will be purified and stronger than ever before” 

Barbara Heil shared her transformative journey to the Catholic faith and the multitude of healings and miracles she has witnessed in her ministries through the world. Barbara said, “The key to evangelization is the invitation…Come and see.”

Dr. Mary Healy spoke eloquently and with authority on “Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit”.  She explained the Scriptures about Our Lady and said, “Mary was the first evangelist going in haste to her cousin Elizabeth to share the good news of Jesus while being overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.”

Casey Sprehe, National Service Committee member spoke on “The Baptism of the Spirit.” She said that the power of the Baptism of the Spirit sets the sacramental life on fire. Deacon Larry and Andi Oney of Hope and Purpose Ministries led a session entitled “Anointing Fall on Us.” Deacon Larry said, “We have to set a level of expectation for a demonstration of the power of God.”  

At the Healing Service Saturday night, there was a teaching about healing. Dr. Healy said that, “God is not here just to do miracles, but to raise up miracle workers.”  Fr. Mathias said, “The Lord doesn’t just want to heal our bodies, He wants to heal our hearts forever in heaven.”  There was a demonstration of the healing power of God as at least 30 people came forward to share the healings they received that night. After prayer, there were reports of healing of lungs, backaches, foot problems, eyes and neck, shoulder issues and fibromyalgia. The CCRNO Office continues to receive reports of other healings as well.

Fr. Mathias said, “When people come to know who Jesus is, they respond with extraordinary faith.”  He continued, “We, as Catholics, need to remember that the Church exists to evangelize and everything we do is about bringing people back to the Father.”

The conference concluded Sunday with a Eucharistic Healing Service led by Fr. Bill Henry and Mass celebrated by Fr. Mathias Thelen. 

After Communion, singer and songwriter Sean Tobin, ushered in a sovereign visitation of the Holy Spirit and Mary when he sang “Overshadow Me”. The assembly exploded in praise and worship. Conference Chairman, Al Mansfield, said that in the 43 years of this Conference, there has never been a moment quite like that one! A prophetic word was given in which the Lord said, “I am releasing upon you a torrent of grace – not just a current of grace – but a torrent of grace. Receive it. The Spirit and the Bride say, come.” This was indeed a fitting conclusion to an event focused on “The Spirit of Truth – Signs, Wonders, Miracles.”

Anne Clavin