The Irish Conference
By Father Brendan Williams
My brief visit to Ireland was indeed a very memorable one. Sharing the podium with a Presbyterian Minister from Belfast on the theme of forgiveness, reconciliation and healing in a Land torn by bitterness, sectarianism and violence, was undoubtedly a privileged moment of grace for me and indeed for the 2000+ from all over Ireland who participated. Rev. Ken Newell, a big man in every sense of the word with a booming voice, shared with us his experiences growing up in a sectarian environment. He was taught and believed all of the negatives about Catholics that prevailed in his community. Coming to know some Catholics and working with them, opened up a whole new world for him. Today his best friend is a Catholic priest with whom he strives for reconciliation and healing in the North. Among the many he has joined in the peace Initiative are Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Fein, and the newly elected President of Ireland, Professor Mary McAleese. He called on Catholics and Protestants to seek the good in each other, forgive and beg for forgiveness. He pleaded for an end to sectarianism and prejudice and hoped for a new day of dialogue and cooperation that will undoubtedly be the working of the Holy Spirit. His impassioned plea brought tears to many and a standing ovation as he concluded.
My presentations, that led to prayer of forgiveness and healing, were received with heart-felt appreciation and gratitude. One woman came to me afterward and shared how during the Mass she was able to deal with a hurt that had plagued her for seventy years. I prayed with her for an infilling of the Holy Spirit and she left praising God for His gift of new life and freedom.
All in all it was a wonderful experience. I thank you all for your prayers for the success of the weekend. Somehow I sensed your presence in prayer throughout. I also believe that my going to Ireland will bring a divine outpouring on our ministry here. This is after all our Lord's own promise: "Give and gifts will be given to you..."(Lk. 6:38). May we continue to grow in the life of the Holy Spirit here at home and use every opportunity to spread the healing and freeing love of Jesus to all we meet...
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