Everyone is invited to attend the Catholic Charismatic Retreat at Malvern Retreat House, June 20-22, hosted by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
This is the second year for the retreat, and it’s a chance for people to disconnect from their daily concerns, focus on Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit and enter into a unique experience of prayer and healing, said Maria Richardson, archdiocesan delegate for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Philadelphia.
She expects the gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord – to present during the weekend retreat, and hopes retreatants will be led “toward healing, mentally, physically and spiritually,” she said.
The retreat’s theme is based on Isaiah 43:1, “Thus says the Lord… Do not fear… You are mine.”
Prayers and discussions will focus on people embracing their identities as children of the Lord, “no matter how old they are,” said Richardson.
Kathleen McCarthy will deliver three talks during the retreat. She is a published author, Catholic radio broadcaster, and has been a Catholic lay evangelist for more than 40 years.
McCarthy shares messages of the Father’s merciful love, the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Masses during the retreat will be celebrated by Father Joseph Ita-Sam, CM, a Roman Catholic priest who serves at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh, NC.
Father Ita-Sam has a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from LaSalle University, and is the author of the book, “Confronting Situations,” published in December 2023.
Retreatants will stay at the McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center, located on the Malvern Retreat House campus.
The retreat begins on Friday evening, June 20, with check-in and dinner, followed by a wine and cheese social, the first talk and Mass to close the evening.
On Saturday, June 21, participants will have opportunities for both collective and private prayer.
Free time is built into the retreat schedule so people can “walk the beautiful grounds,” says Richardson, and visit the many prayerful locations on the Malvern Retreat House campus, including Stations of the Cross, Lourdes Grotto and Pope Saint John Paul II Cross, all located outdoors.
Retreatants can also visit the Blessed Carlo Acutis Shrine and Center for Eucharistic Encounter located in the lower level of McShain Hall.
Father Ita-Sam will lead a healing prayer service on Saturday evening with Eucharistic Adoration, which Richardson said she expects to be “powerful.”
Music will be provided during the weekend by Remnant, a local contemporary Catholic music ministry.
Richardson says retreatants can expect to feel “peaceful, more joyful, more hopeful” when they leave on Sunday, June 22.
Spots are still available, though the retreat is expected to sell out. Anyone who is interested should register as soon as possible.
Visit this web page to register for the charismatic retreat at Malvern Retreat House June 20-22: https://www.malvernretreat.com/events/charismatics-2025/
For more information on the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, visit their website at https://archphilaccr.org/
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