March 26, 2017

Hundreds gather for the 15th annual Catholic Men’s Conference

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

CHICOPEE- More than 350 men gathered to strengthen their faith at the 15^th annual Catholic Men’s Conference at Bellamy Middle School in Chicopee, Saturday, March 25. The day began with a welcome and opening prayer by Father Jonathan Reardon, the pastor of Holy Family Church in South Deerfield and chairman of the event.

“Faith is not lived inside the four walls of the church; it is lived outside in our everyday experiences of life. Men need to be encouraged to go out courageously and live the faith and it’s a challenge in today’s world,” said Father Reardon.

The first keynote speaker was Sam Todzia, who runs a men’s ministry called “Meat and Greet.” Todzia said it is important to highlight the sins and temptations that men encounter because they are obstacles blocking them from growing closer to God and their faith. He said it is crucial to bring to light all the things men are uncomfortable talking about, otherwise it will just remain and deepen the wound.

“So in order to address it, we really have to go there because those things are going to prevent us from becoming the good father, the good husband that we are called to be, the man whose life speaks the Gospel and has consequences,” explained Todzia.

The second speaker of the day was Mario Enzler, who is currently a professor of finance and tax law at the Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. Enzler gave testimony of the three years he served as a member of the Swiss Guard under St. John Paul II. One story he told was of encountering the then Pope John Paul II praying at the altar at 3 o’clock in the morning. Enzler silently backed away as to not disturb the pope. The next day as he was lined up in formation, St. John Paul II passed by him and paused saying, “Next time, why don’t you join me?” Enzler was in awe that the pope was aware of his presence at that late hour and that he remembered exactly who he was. Enzler said he always accepts invitations to speak at men’s conferences because he enjoys telling of his experiences and feels it would be selfish not to share the impact that St. John Paul II had on his life.

“I love to tell what a great man St. John Paul II was, what a leader he was. This society is thirsty for manhood and leadership and I feel that the message of this life can reignite in our hearts, our manhood and our leadership,” said Enzler.

After the first two speakers there was exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Priests were also available to hear confessions throughout the day.

Paul Pierce, who attends Holy Family Church in South Deerfield attended with his son and grandson, Sean and Nathaniel Pierce, members of Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenfield. Sean Pierce’s nephew Miles Freeman, from St. Joseph Parish in Shelburne Falls also joined the group this year.

“I think this is a very special that I get to be here with two generations of men who teach me good things. I love that we can spend our family time together and just build my faith,” said Freeman.

The final speaker of the day was Sean Forrest, founder of Haiti 180, who gave two presentations. He said he enjoys participating in men’s conferences because he loves talking to men about how Jesus can change a whole family. Forrest said his first speech would be about his own conversion to Catholicism. He said those who are converts offer inspiring testimony.

“Somewhere along the line we just went on a search and found answers and then just started sharing those answers with other people,” said Forrest.

Music throughout the day was provided by The Rock Group. The day concluded with Mass celebrated by Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski.

For a video version of this story, tune into an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” the Diocese of Springfield’s weekly television newsmagazine that airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22 NEWS