“Signs and wonders” in biblical times as well as today continue to point to one thing: the need to deepen our spiritual lives in preparation for building up the Father's kingdom.

“A sign has no value if it's not pointing to something,” explained US-based Nigerian priest Fr Anthony Mario Ozele as he delivered the final talk at last weekend's 14th National Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) Conference.

“The signs Jesus worked in the New Testament weren't meant to make us stop where we are, but to lead us to a new destination - a deeper life, a life in the spirit, a life of greater works.”

CCR choir and music ministry led the praise and worship session.

Fr Ozele pointed to the numerous “signs, wonders and miracles” in the New Testament during his talk, explaining that signs and wonders occurred even today.

He said while the disciples were with Christ physically, they were not with him on a spiritual level. This, he continued, is what God wants from us: to be spiritually alive with him, to “assume new fellowship with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Throughout his dynamic talk, participants clapped and shouted words of praise. He urged all not to lose faith, as no situation is hopeless. “If God can take a stable and make it a sign of redemption, then he can satisfy all our needs.”

The title of his talk, “Signs and Wonders”, was the theme of the weekend conference held at the University of the West Indies . Venue for the first two days was the JFK auditorium while on the final day, Charismatic Catholics - including a sizeable contingent from Tobago – crowded into the Sports and Physical Education Centre (SPEC), causing a traffic jam on nearby streets.

It was the first time the conference used the venue and the unplanned change was well received. At the JFK, there is never enough room to accommodate everyone inside the auditorium. At the SPEC, however, everyone was comfortably seated, with a section of seats still available behind the stage. Booths with religious posters and other items for sale were also easily accommodated on the spacious main court.

After his talk, Fr Ozele conducted a two-hour long healing service. Many stepped forward to be prayed over and were soon slain in the Spirit. Fr Ozele invited all to touch the ground where they stood as he offered prayers for the nation, Grenada , the Caribbean and its peoples.

The conference began Friday, January 7 with a concelebrated Holy Mass with Archbishop Gilbert being the chief celebrant. After a praise and worship session led by the CCR choir and music ministry, Fr Ozele delivered the opening talk, “A New Pentecost”.

Cross section of crowd at last weekend's CCR conference

Saturday morning (January 8) began early with Mass celebrated by Fr Christian Chambers. Talks that day were delivered by San Raphael parish priest Fr Michael Moses (“The Power of the Word and the Power of Prayer”), Regional Seminary rector Fr Michael de Verteuil (“The Spirituality of the Eucharist”), Fr Ozele (“Authority of the Believer”) and People of Praise Community leader Winston Garcia (“Weapons of Warfare”). Workshop sessions were also held.

The closing Mass was celebrated Sunday afternoon, following a brief post-lunch ministry to young people. Frs Ozele, George Lewis, Michael Moses, Steve Duncan, Michael de Verteuil and Vincent Pazhukkakulam O Carm, concelebrated the Mass with Archbishop Gilbert.

In his homily, Fr Duncan, who described himself as the archdiocese's “newborn baby priest”, said the signs and wonders never cease as a mother sees her child turn away from going down a wrong path in life, or when a couple reconcile their disagreements, or when nations put aside their differences to offer aid to disaster victims. Fr Duncan urged all to return to their baptismal calling and “be light to the world.”

After Mass, CCR coordinator Deborah de Rosia thanked all who had contributed to another successful conference. Fr Ozele, whom she described as a “teacher and evangelist”, was given a rousing ovation. She also thanked Fr Urban Hudlin, who was seated in the stands, for his nine years as CCR spiritual moderator. During the conference, prayers were offered for the success of this weekend's follow up to the Archdiocesan Synod 2003, to be held at the JFK auditorium. - RS