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| News - Convention A Kentuckian's view of the 2005 National Convention Bob & Jackie Wright Greetings Lovers!
“In God We Trust" That was the theme for this year’s convention. It was a National Convention that drew Couples, Priests and Religious of many different cultures from all across this great nation of ours! It seemed very appropriate, in this time of our nations struggle against the evils of terrorism, that they choose our nations motto "In God we trust" as our Mantra for the weekend, and to hold it in the place (the battle of Baltimore during the war of 1812) where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write our National Anthem . The one presentation Friday evening, the three presentations on Saturday and the keynote presentation Sunday morning, challenged us all to be more trusting in God, to listen more attentively to what He is calling us to and to put aside our fears and trust in Him to give us the grace, strength and power that we need to achieve His goal! Friday night’s question, "Where was I with God going into our Weekend? What impact did the Weekend have on that relationship? HDIFAMA? ( How do I feel about my answer?), gave us reason to look back at where we were, to remember how we felt when we heard God’s call to live intimate, responsible and radical lifestyles and to re-examine ourselves and look at how we are responding to that call now! Saturday’s presentations and dialogue questions, "What is the one attraction or distraction / struggle that is most present in my life right now in regards to me putting my trust in God? WAMFAMA (What are my feelings about my answer)? ... "When have I trusted God and what was my experience, my feeling?"... And the large group open sharing question ("Briefly share an example of a couple or priest whose trust in God impacted your life.") challenged us to look at what is going on inside us right now, when have we "Let go and let God"? Have we had or witnessed a "conversion experience" as a result of the faith and actions of others? Have we trusted in God enough to have drawn others to a "conversion experience"? If not, why not? What fears do we have that keep us from inviting couples to the Weekend? What holds us back from ministering to others the way we have been ministered to? Sundays keynote presentation and question "What is God trusting me and us to do to make a difference in this world? WAMFAMA?" reminded us that, not only should we trust in God, but that GOD TRUSTS US to "Change the world" through our Sacraments and the witness of God's love that we can give to our friends, family and even strangers who cross our path! These presentations and the sharings by Koreans, Hispanics, Anglos and African Americans inspired us and renewed our excitement over the difference that Worldwide Marriage Encounter is making in this world! Then came an address from our World Council Team, David & Bronny Lea from New Zealand and Fr. John Rate from Australia. They gave us insight as to what is going on with Marriage Encounter worldwide, and thanked all of us American Encountered Couples & Priests in a profound way for our generosity in all areas of stewardship (Time, Talent and Treasure) that have made the Weekend possible to so many around the world! It was a very moving and powerful speech that brought rousing cheers and applause from all of us and encouraged us to continue giving to the movement in any way we can! The convention weekend closed with a Mass. The Principal Celebrant was Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, Concelebrated by Most Reverend John J. Kaising, Auxiliary Bishop U.S. Military / Vicar for Chaplains, Most Reverend Joseph Kurtz, Bishop of Knoxville and Most Reverend Francesco Gonzalez, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington - Episcopal Vicar for Hispanics, and all the 100 or so Priests in attendance at the convention!
We don't know if you have ever experienced a Mass with so many Priests, Bishops, a Cardinal and hundreds of loving couples and their children before or not, but we can assure you that it is a very moving and awe-inspiring event! Our area was represented at the convention by 4 Couples and 1 Priest! We know that many of you could not make it this year and we know that this brief synopsis of what took place will not challenge you the way we who were in attendance were, but we hope that it may give you some insight as to what takes place at a Marriage Encounter Convention and that you will be encouraged to attend the next convention which will be an International Convention in 2008. This will also be the 40th anniversary of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Movement and will, we're sure, be a truly monumental event! Your Companions on the Journey, Click for a printable version (PDF, 90KB)
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