On October 23-26, in observance of the 3-year Eucharistic Revival proclaimed by the Catholic Bishops, Tim Francis, a lay evangelist, presented a mission for us. It was successful beyond what anyone had hoped and prayed for. Here are a few of the facts. This mission is intended for a person to go to one time only, whichever night they choose. These statistics and comments came from a survey tabulated by Jo Ruth Spellman, who organized this event for our parish. We are so indebted to her.
558 People attended
271 responded with comments such as
158 Wanted to sign up for adoration
65 were already attending adoration
25 people did not complete the survey, but bought books
25 people completed the survey, but did not want to start an adoration practice
121 wanted to attend confession more often
Many wanted to start reading the bible more
Other comments were:
Wanted to go to Mass more frequently, even daily
Wanted to participate in Mass more with prayer and reverence
Many comments on increased belief in the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
2 were going to return to church and tell friends about this presentation
“It changed my life and I will return to confession after 20 years”
“I need to go to confession before I receive the Eucharist”
“It opened my heart and deepened my faith”
“Our church could use more confession time”
A non-Catholic said, “I need to evaluate my faith”.
“I am going to start going to church every Sunday, and have an idea to bring my brother back to church.”
“I will tell my friends, and testify to what I have seen with my own eyes”.
Tim is nationally known and recognized for his missions (over 500) which support and proclaim the real presence of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. He does this by teaching about past and current miraculous event associated with Jesus.
It was a fascinating experience to learn about these miracles. They included a film of a devout women from Bolivia, Katya (Catalina) Rivas who calls herself “Secretary of the Lord” and receives dictation from the Lord to mankind. It is similar to what happened to St. Catherine of Sienna in the 14th century. She received profound dictation from Jesus, and as a formerly poor and illiterate woman, was made a Doctor of the church. Katya is also a current day stigmatist, meaning periodically she receives the wounds of Jesus. Tim also had film of this event witnessed by a very well-known investigative reporter, Mike Willesee of Australia.
We were introduced to several Eucharistic miracles where a consecrated host began to bleed and under scientific examination was found to be heart tissue. Mike’s documentaries on these events became a Fox Network prime time television special called “Signs from God, Science tests Faith.”
All those who put together this parish event and worked it nightly never got tired of seeing it. I would encourage any parish wanting to increase its devotion to the Eucharist to talk to Tim about coming to their parish.
One drawback that we are having is that the follow-up sessions (voluntary) coincided with the Thanksgiving and Christmas season and slowed the momentum of this movement. After the first of the new year, we hope those who were planning to become adorers and participate more in the life of the church will do so.