12th Divine Mercy Conference inspires transformation and renewal

The 12th Annual Divine Mercy Conference, hosted by the Missionaries of The Divine Mercy, an apostolate of The Sanctuary of the Holy Family, was a weekend of spiritual renewal, powerful testimonies, and deep encounters with God’s mercy. Held on March 15 and 16 at the University Inn and Conference Centre in St Augustine, the event welcomed hundreds of faithful focusing on the theme: Be Transformed: Courage, Jesus is Calling You!

The conference brought together internationally renowned speakers, including Dan and Stephanie Burke, Dr Anthony Lilles and Marino Restrepo, with a surprise guest, Fr James Blount, a priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. Through compelling talks, testimonies, and moments of prayer, attendees were encouraged to embrace transformation and respond courageously to Christ’s call.

The weekend commenced with Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon. He challenged the faithful in his homily with a bold reminder: “We must be different. We have to be different. Christianity is not a religion where we say one thing and do another.” His words set the tone for the weekend.

The first talk of the conference was delivered by local priest Fr Jonathan Steele O Carm, who reminded us that we must have confidence in prayer. Following him, Colombia-born Marino Restrepo, a former Hollywood producer turned Catholic evangelist, delivered his powerful testimony, ‘From Darkness into the Light.’

He recounted his dramatic conversion after being kidnapped by Colombian rebels, emphasising how God’s mercy rescued him from spiritual blindness and led him into a life of faith.

Later in the day, Dr Anthony Lilles, a distinguished US theologian and professor, provided profound insights referencing the scripture from Mark’s gospel where Jesus asks Bartimaeus “What do you want me to do for you?”. His talk was followed by Dan Burke, a popular US Catholic author and spiritual director, who encouraged attendees to embrace the call to holiness.

To end the first day, Fr Blount, with the assistance of Fr Jesse Maingot OP and Fr Raymond Francis, conducted a Eucharistic Healing Service where he invited attendees to surrender to the power of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Many experienced profound moments of healing and renewal, leaving with a renewed sense of God’s presence in their lives.

Sunday’s sessions featured inspiring messages from all the speakers, each offering their unique perspective on how God’s mercy can transform lives. One of the highlights of the day was a Meditation on the Image of Divine Mercy, led by Mona Rahael. Attendees were guided into a deeper understanding of the significance of the image revealed to St Faustina Kowalska, reflecting on Christ’s promise: “The soul that will venerate this image will not perish” (Diary of St Faustina, 48).

The conference concluded with a closing Mass celebrated by Fr Ian Taylor. He reminded us that to follow Christ and to be transformed, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow the Lord.

For many who attended, the Conference was a weekend of profound renewal and strengthened their resolve to live out their faith with courage. The testimonies, teachings, and moments of prayer resonated deeply, inspiring attendees to embrace true conversion in their daily lives.

For those who missed the event or wish to revisit the powerful talks, recordings are available on major podcast platforms under ‘The Missionaries of The Divine Mercy Trinidad and Tobago: Divine Mercy Conference.’

As everyone departed, one sentiment was shared among them all: They had been transformed. Jesus had called, and they had answered.

— Missionaries of The Divine Mercy