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CATHOLIC
‘FIRE RALLY’ AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE |
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By Lagi Keresoma |
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The emotional Catholic
‘fire rally’ held in Apia in late January emulated the spiritual effect
of Benny Hinn’s 2001 visit, as scores of Catholic Church followers
responding to visiting American evangelists, brought their confessions
out in public.
"If you are ready to accept Jesus as your friend and saviour now is the
time to show it - repent!" These were just some of the rallying words
that got the big crowd up standing, and screaming Jesus' name over an
over again.
It was a powerful, yet interesting ceremony conducted by a team of
American Catholic evangelists led by Mr Grenshaw and James Taylor.
While many screamed at the top of their heads, others were speechless,
staring ahead as if hypnotized. Some remained seated with tears
streaming down their faces.
People were heard confessing their inner secrets to attending priests.
Many witnessed a young man who knelt beside his wife and begged her
forgiveness, for being unfaithful to her. It was the first time the
wife heard of her husband’s infidelity. Others took the opportunity to
apologize and make up with old foes. Whether it was for real or staged,
one thing was certain - the rally had given so many the courage to
speak out.
As one priest remarked, “It is a confession not only made before God,
but publicly."
Catholic confession is normally done in a very secluded confession
room, before the priest and God alone, but the rally was seen by many
priests as a "blessing for all to share and speak out."
It was a weary and dreary night before the rally as the Catholic Rosary
group was sitting around their meeting table, finalizing their
programme for the fire rally ceremony. It was raining heavily at night
and the group was worried that the rain would continue on to the next
day, and not wanting to see the rally cancelled.
The day arrived and the ladies were up early. It was 5 am in the
morning, and already gospel music was blasting through the loud
speakers. It became a fine morning with buses already bringing people
from around the country. People of all ages, young and old congregated
at the Marist School in Mulivai to witness the rally.
By noon, there was a big crowd and despite |
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Archbishop Alapati Mataeliga as he shared the "Eucharist or the
body of Christ" with the crowd during the Catholic ‘Fire Rally’
being conducted by American evengelists. (Photo: Lagi Keresoma)
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The Catholic ‘Fire Rally’ included healing by American
evangelists led by Mr Grenshaw and James Taylor, also To’oa
Kristin Taylor – THORN ministry founder. (Photo: Lagi Keresoma) |
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Quite a spiritual experience as people of all ages, young and
old congregated at the Marist School in Mulivai to take part in
the Catholic ‘Fire Rally’.
(Photo: Lagi Keresoma) |
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of the heat, it did not deter
people crowding and kneeling around Archbishop Alapati Mataeliga, as he
walked around with the "Eucharist or the body of Christ". Part of the
healing process was to have people touched the Eucharist or the body of
Christ. It was a moment that would be cherished by those who had the
opportunity to witness and be part of the ‘fire rally’.
An old lady, who has been a Catholic believer for more than 30 years, said
the rally was the first time she had witnessed such an occasion. "I will
never forget this,” she shared. “I feel blessed and touched." She added
further that she had never had such strong feelings for Jesus until this
moment.
Afterwards, many compared the rally to the healing ceremony conducted by
the world renowned evangelist Benny Hinn at Apia Park four years ago.
Unlike the Catholic rally, Hinn invited afflicted people to the stage to
be healed. For the first time, Samoa witnessed what they could only see on
TV and movies, that a person been cleansed of his wrongs been thrown
backwards.
In comparison, the Catholic healing approach was very simple. The body of
Christ was taken around and the people would kneel and touch it. It was
very touching moment for the Catholic followers. Once they touched the
Eucharist, tears would stream down their faces.
Although the rally was hailed as a success, there were quite a few
disappointing moments for others. These were the people who were expecting
a Hinn-like healing ceremony. They did not blame the visiting evangelists
however, but local Catholic officials in Samoa, for "not explaining
properly."
Archbishop Mataeliga however did warn the public through the media, not to
expect much from the rally. He was quoted as saying, that "God works in
mysterious ways" and that people should have faith and believe in God.
The ceremony ended with a mass. A similar rally followed in Savai'i.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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