Healing seminar ignites faith and joy

Aug 02, 2024

By Karen Ann Theseira
The Charismatic Prayer Group of the Church of the Immaculate Conception organised a healing seminar on July 20 and 21. Parish priest, Fr Edward Rayappan, warmly welcomed the participants, expressing his hope that the healing they experience would extend to their families, BECs and parish community. He encouraged everyone to enhance the good they encounter and transform the bad into good.

Speaker Jude Antoine, a full-time lay missionary with 41 years of experience proclaiming the healing Word of God and evangelising in more than 40 countries, was the perfect presenter. His straightforward delivery, combined with humour and energy, opened many minds and hearts to new possibilities. Numerous lessons were imparted through role-playing and real-life examples.

Right from the start, Jude stated that the participants were not at the seminar by accident. He asserted that the process of healing what was dead in their lives began the moment they walked in. Jude explained that the quest for healing is inseparable from the quest for Jesus, the most compassionate Healer (Luke 7:11-15). He referenced Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him.

In one exercise, a participant played the role of the devil, standing outside the hall and persistently knocking on the closed door. This effectively demonstrated how we, by our own free will, often open the door to the devil’s promptings, suggestions, and nudges. Participants were cautioned against blaming God for the consequences of personal choices or for their sicknesses, as God “does not delight in the death of the living” (Wisdom 1:13). Nothing evil or bad ever comes from God (John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:11).

Jude addressed the dangers of self-pity, explaining how wounded individuals often cause hurt to others. He highlighted the consequences of sin, including powerlessness, ignorance of God, suffering, death, and concupiscence. He also discussed societal struggles such as depression, anxiety, stress, and irrational fear, referencing Job 3:25-26: “Truly the thing I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.” He emphasised the healing power of Confession, citing Romans 10:10: “And one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.”

The Charismatic Prayer Group energised everyone with songs of praise and worship, with the love for the Lord resonating in every beat and word. Many participants remarked on feeling lighter after being prayed over.

In Proverbs 17:22, we read, “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.” Jude emphasised that choosing to be happy and joyful is a personal decision. He encouraged participants to worship the Lord with raised voices and hands, to focus on Him, pursue Him, and call upon Him. He urged them to be active, bold Catholics and to ignite a fire that will draw people to Church. The healing seminar proved to be the fiery spark they needed.