By Caroline Smith
A call for people to become more involved in their communities and to live out the teachings of Jesus, was the key focus at the recent 27th Annual Flame Ministries International (FMI) Congress.
Held from Friday 20 January to Sunday 22 January at John XXIII College in Claremont, the Congress, entitled The Light of the World: A Call to Shine, included day sessions with a host of speakers including Fathers Mark Baumgarten, Ted Miller and Lucius Roy Pereira, plus FMI Founder Eddie Russell and members Kaye Rollings and Cyrus D’Souza.
The Congress also included a Mass on Sunday morning, celebrated by Fr Miller, in addition to praise and worship with music and preaching held on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Mr Russell said the Congress’ title referred to its focus on encouraging members of the Catholic community to live out Christ’s teachings in their everyday lives.
“‘A Call to Shine’ was the main focus of the message because it calls forward every individual – clergy, religious, or lay to become what Christ has ordained,” he said.
“This Congress aimed to give participants the opportunity to stand up and reach their full potential in Christ.
“I believe that if a person is empowered, they will empower the community, and I have seen this many times. This of course is in line with the Holy Father and Archbishop Timothy’s vision for parishes and so we could go a long way to ignite the hearts of the people over this weekend.”
He added that although the number of attendees was less than the 2016 Congress, the speakers and inspirational music made for an inspiring atmosphere.
“The power and quality of the subjects and the speakers were moving, challenging, and Spirit-filled and gave delegates the opportunity for personal prayer for healing and meeting their needs,” Mr Russell said.
“The joy on the faces of the people reflected this throughout the weekend.
“One special time for me was to formally induct three new members into Flame Ministries and present them with their Ministerial Cross at the Sunday Mass.
“Fr Ted Miller was the celebrant and preached an amazing homily on Light of the World.”
FMI – a ministry of Catholic Evangelical preachers – was founded by Mr Russell in1990, and its first Congress was held later that year.