A two- day non- residential retreat was held at the Aquinas College, Perth, for about 200 Catholics in this West Australian city on 31 May to 1 June 1997. It was conducted by father Augustine Mundackatt, and Adv A M Mathew from Potta, India, together with Father vincent Lee of the Church of St Michael, Singapore, at the invitation of Our Lady of Immaculate Heart Prayer Group and the Perth Chinese Catholic Community. They were accompanied by about 40 Singaporeans from various parts of Singaproe, including members of the Music Ministry from the Church of St Michael.
Most of the participants were from the Asian immigrant community in Perth. Although the participants were unused to clapping and raising their hands during the praise and worship sessions, they were swept along by the music team from singapore and many admitted that they felt "good and happy". Indeed, many were touched and filled by the Holy Spirit. The anointing of the Holy spirit could be felt and multiple healings, both physical and spiritual, took place.
There were several cases of healing. Many could be cited. But we give here only a few. Fr Mundackatt announced that a man who suffered from diabetics and pain in the leg after a car accident, was being healed. No one claimed the healing. But when Father mentioned the colour of his pants and shirt, the particular man stood up. He was asked to come forward. His attire was exactly the same as specified. Ten years of pain and inability to play golf, his favourite game, were thus healed.
Father announced that a woman with an ailment of the skin was healed. No one testified. The next day Father announced it again and strongly asserted that the woman was seated in the auditorium. At that moment a woman mentioned to the one sitting next to her, that it was she who had been healed but failed to acknowledge it through embarrassment. The companion therefore stood up and testified to the Lord's mercy. All were happy and their faith was strengthened!
Among the many people who came forward to testify, there was a woman with eczema on her elbows who was healed instantly. Alice, who had shoulder pains for about ten years, found that her pains had gone in the afternoon of the first day. Irene Chew had back pain for thirteen years as a result of an accident and she too found that she was free from the pain. A few people also found their eyesight and hearing had improved. Arnold Fernandez, who had a fall in February this year and since then could not lift his hands, found suddenly that he could now lift his hands. These and many others testified to God's almighty power and glory and were overcome with joy. The retreat was well received by those present and some of the participants later expressed their appreciation of the beautiful singing by the Singapore team.
The inner healing session was very touching and noteworthy. There were many who were afraid of cockroaches. Fr Lee asked them to come forward. "The Holy Spirit will heal you when you recollect how and when this fear began. Pray intensely," Father advised. He also directed them to forgive wholeheartedly any one connected with this fear- experience. Those who were freed of their fear should put up their hands. All began praying with eyes closed. One by one all but three put up their hands. Father asked those three to surrender their fear to Jesus. He then prayed for deliverance from this fear of cockroaches and various other fear. When they opened their eyes, a cockroach was placed in the hand of one who passed it on fearlessly to all the others. A great applause of joy resounded in the auditorium. Alleluia!
St Mark's Gospel states that
the disciples of Jesus went everywhere, preached the word of God with signs
and wonders accompanying their preaching.( Mk 16: 19) The same thing happened
in Korea and Australia.
[ Contents ]