A profound spiritual awakening swept through the St. Joseph Freinademetz House of Philosophy, Tamale, as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) of the formation house, in collaboration with the Tamale Catholic Archdiocesan CCR Team, successfully concluded its highly anticipated “Life in the Spirit” seminar. Held from February 23rd to April 13th, 2025, the seminar brought a renewed sense of fervor and divine presence to its members and the entire postulant community.
The air was thick with anticipation on Palm Sunday, April 13th, 2025, as the participating seminarians were commissioned in a moving Mass presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Matthias Mornah, Dean of Studies of St. Victor’s Major Seminary. His presence, alongside the entire leadership team of the Tamale Catholic CCR, underscored the significance of this spiritual journey.
The “Life in the Spirit” seminar was meticulously structured to guide the seminarians through foundational truths of Christian Catholic faith and an experiential encounter with the Holy Spirit. Over several weeks, they delved into transformative sessions covering crucial topics:
• God the Father Loves You Personally: A powerful reminder of God’s intimate and unconditional love for each individual.
• Jesus Saves You and Sets You Free: Exploring the liberating power of Christ’s sacrifice and redemption.
• Jesus is the Lord of Your Life: A call to surrender and acknowledge Christ’s sovereignty in all aspects of life.
• Healing and Deliverance Session: A session dedicated to encountering God’s healing power and liberation from spiritual bondages.
• You Are Called to Be a Disciple of Jesus: Emphasizing the call to active discipleship and following in the footsteps of Christ. Jesus Sends You His Holy Spirit: Preparing hearts for the anointing and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
• You Will Receive Power: Praying for the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: This pivotal session was indeed an experience reminiscent of the Upper Room. During this time of fervent prayer, seminarians individually received and discovered their unique gifts of the Holy Spirit, leading to moments of profound spiritual encounter and renewal.
• You Then Are the Body of Christ: A session focusing on the unity and communal aspect of the Church, with each member playing a vital role.
• You Shall Be My Witnesses: A final call to evangelization and sharing the Good News, empowered by the Spirit.
The impact of the seminar was palpable. Seminarians expressed overwhelming joy and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a spirit-filled experience. Testimonies abounded, recounting personal encounters with the Holy Spirit and the discovery of various spiritual gifts, from prophecy and healing to words of knowledge and discernment. Many described a deeper intimacy with God and a renewed zeal for their vocations.
“It was truly an Upper Room experience,” shared one jubilant seminarian, echoing the sentiments of many. “I felt the Holy Spirit move in a powerful way, and I discovered gifts I never knew I had. My faith has been ignited anew.”
The “Life in the Spirit” seminar has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the St. Joseph Freinademetz House of Philosophy. It has not only enriched the spiritual lives of the seminarians but has also laid a robust foundation for their future ministry, equipping them with divine power and a deeper understanding of their call to be witnesses for Christ in the world. The echoes of praise and the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit serve as a testament to a new fire ignited within the heart of the formation house.
By; Bro. Claret-Anthony Senam Kofi Akakpo
(SVD Postulant)
