Teaching day's accent on God's love

Anyone looking for peace and love can find it at a teaching day being offered by the Healing Ministry Committee of the Albany Diocesan Service Committee for Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

The speaker for the day is Rev. Richard Champigny, O. Carm., and the theme is "One Thing Only Is Required," taken from the Gospel story of Mary and Martha.

According to Father Champigny, director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, N.Y., that "one thing" is love and those who attend the teaching day will leave with a sense of it.

Peace and love
"People will take away a spirit of peace," he told The Evangelist, "and a confirmation of goodness and of how much they are loved by God."

In order to understand the love of God, Father Champigny said, healing is needed, so the day concludes with a healing Mass.

The healing aspect of charismatic renewal can be frightening for those not familiar with it, he said, adding: "I know and understand people's apprehension. I've been there. I was one of the most apprehensive about it. I want to help people see there is no reason to fear it."

Biography
Father Champigny's background did not prepare him for his later involvement in the charismatic movement. Being of French Canadian descent and growing up in New England, he was not used to the type of prayer he is now a part of.

He also was not prepared for the healing ministry. "It came slowly and was intimidating," he said. "Then a dear friend, who was blessed by the Lord, pointed out that every priest has the gift of healing."

He also said that people often have a concern about resting in the spirit, which is also known as slaying in the spirit. "There are only two things involved: resting and in the spirit," he explained. "I have no power. It is what the Lord does through me."

(The teaching day will be held April 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady. Registration is $12 at the door and $10 in advance. For more information, call 456-2434.)

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