We attended the annual Catholic Conference, Celebrate the Faith, in Vandalia, Illinois again this year. We've been going every year for at least the last 9 years. It is always a very wonderful experience. I feel like we are visiting family every time we go there... and we are, our Church Family. The speakers are always very orthodox and inspiring, both in what they say and in how they live out their vocations. This year the line up included Msgr. Stuart Swetland, S.T.D., Fr. William Casey, C.P.M., Fr. Emmerich Vogt, O.P., Chuck Neff, Marc Eckel of the Splat Experience, the Apostles of the Interior Life, Matthew Baute, and Annie Karto. I was very impressed and inspired by all of them.
Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry is a lay apostolate that offers healing retreats throughout the year, as well as, the annual conference. If you or anyone you know is in need of this blessing, check out their website for more information. http://www.sorrowfulmothersministry.org/
I wasn't able to get as many pictures as I would have liked to, because I was so busy holding little Elias. He was an attraction in and of himself. Nearly everyone was oohing and aahing over him and asking "how old is your baby?". I think little Elias was able to spread some of his own joy every time I let someone else hold him. There was one lady in a wheelchair who held Elias. She was so thrilled to be holding a newborn that she had a smile on her face from ear to ear. I came to find out later that she was recovering from a liver transplant. You could tell that she was extremely grateful to have "a new lease on life", as they say.
Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry is a lay apostolate that offers healing retreats throughout the year, as well as, the annual conference. If you or anyone you know is in need of this blessing, check out their website for more information. http://www.sorrowfulmothersministry.org/
During the weekend they also had a benefit lunch and dinner for a wonderful man who is fighting leukemia. He is the father of 8 wonderful children and they have been a staple at the Catholic conference and retreats. Thanks to so many peoples' generosity, they were able to raise $4,000. If you or anyone you know would like to help this very humble family, you can donate through the osmm website. God bless.
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