August 1, 2024

Faith on Fire returns for two nights, Aug. 22-23

REGIONAL
Staff report

FEEDING HILLS – The 12^th annual Faith on Fire Catholic Rally will be held Thursday, Aug. 22 and Friday, Aug. 23 at Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills from 6-9 p.m. The rally is back to a two-day schedule this year and includes inspiring talks, praise and worship music, reconciliation, eucharistic adoration and procession.

There are three featured speakers. Marian Father Chris Alar will speak on Thursday about Divine Mercy. Father Alar, a world renowned Catholic author and speaker, is the Provincial Superior of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province of the Marian Fathers in the United States and Canada. The Marians Fathers of the Immaculate Conception is the religious community entrusted to promote the message and devotion of Divine Mercy. Father Jeff Ballou, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Springfield and military chaplain, will speak Friday evening, followed by Bishop William D. Byrne.

“I am thrilled to be back at Faith on Fire this year. The event gives us a chance to grow closer to our Lord, spending time in prayer before him in the Blessed Sacrament. I encourage people to mark this in their calendars, so we can all be renewed by the Holy Spirit,” said Bishop Byrne.

After the Eucharistic procession each night, people will have an opportunity to be prayed over, which is a high point for many.

 “I hope that for the people that attend, they get that peace and feel very loved by our Lord. And if they haven’t been attending church, maybe they will find their way back,” said Linda Bathel, the chair of the committee organizing Faith on Fire.

Food and beverages are available for purchase. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for    comfortable seating.

Music will be provided by Psalm 33 of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield and members of the youth band from St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham.