August 29, 2026

Hundreds turn out for Faith on Fire

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

FEEDING HILLS – Hundreds of people attended the 15^th annual Faith on Fire at Sacred Heart Parish, Aug. 20-21. The charismatic prayer service included inspiring talks, a eucharistic procession, pray overs and confession. Psalm 33 Music Ministry, based out of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield, led the praise and worship.

The rain kept the event inside the church on Thursday, Aug. 20. Maronite Father Bassam Saade kicked off the evening, speaking of his journey to the priesthood, growing up in Lebanon. Father Sam, as he is known, is the pastor of St. Anthony Maronite Parish in Springfield.

Longtime Sacred Heart parishioner, and member of the St. Martha’s Guild, Dee Ziegert, also gave a witness talk. Ziegert, whose daughter Lisa Ziegert was murdered in 1992, gave a moving testimony as she explained how her faith grew after the tragedy.

“I turned to God because I needed him,” said Ziegert, now a grandmother.

“I needed his help to get through. God knew it wasn’t going to be okay but it would get better. He gives you the strength, so many blessings and you know she is safe.”

Marian Father Anthony Gramlich, of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, spoke on faith and the Holy Spirit.

“When we give something to God out of an act of faith, God takes it and does something with it. I said it’s like a spark. When Mary gave her faith, it was like a spark that transformed the entire world,” he said.

On Friday, the sun was shining and Faith on Fire was back outside. Hundreds of people filled up the lawn as Marian Father Chris Alar spoke on the Catholic faith.

Several ministry groups were present including the Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life of Pioneer Valley, and the Charismatic Renewal.

The St. Martha’s Guild and the Agawam Knights of Columbus Council 5585 provided food and beverages for purchase.

Sacred Heart parishioner Linda Bathal leads the volunteers who make this happen each year.

“It has been fabulous. The Spirit is here. God is taking care of everything. Even with the rain last night, people said after last night they couldn’t stay away,” said Bathal.

Both nights ended with a eucharistic procession and pray overs.

A video version of this story will be featured on tomorrow’s edition of “Real to Reel” at 6 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.