"Call to Holiness" convention, 1997.

Detroit--At the Best Western Sterling Inn, just outside of Detroit, the second annual "Call to Holiness" convention was held on October 31, November 1 and 2, 1997. The first convention was held a year previously in reaction to a "Call to Action" convention, a meeting of dissenters from the Church's teaching on the priesthood, homosexuality, contraception and a wide range of other issues. The "Call to Holiness" movement is no longer only a reaction to error and evil. It is a positive apostolate of re-evangelization gaining strength and momentum.

"Call to Holiness" is self-described as an organization faithful to the eternal truths of Jesus Christ. Its purpose is to "defend and support the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, through prayer, education and evangelization."

Father John Hardon, S.J., a truly great scholar and defender of the faith, told convention organizers: "Let us thank the Holy Spirit for the guidance that led to this movement that may ignite the revitalization of Catholicism into the new millennium." In 1997 there were conventions in Nebraska and in Arizona as well as at Detroit's Sterling Heights, and there were enquiries from persons in over 40 dioceses asking for help in setting up similar gatherings.

No one who attended the Detroit event could doubt the vitality and high promise of the movement. The atmosphere was one of joy, enthusiasm and devotion. Like last year, before I could get to my room on Friday afternoon I was asked to "hear a few confessions." Four rooms were set aside as confessionals and a confessor was available 24 hours a day. The opening night I was busy until 11:30 p.m. In an adjoining room there was around-the-clock exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There were no deaf ears to the "Call to Holiness."

It would be difficult to match the calibre of the speakers anywhere in the world to-day. Mother Angelica gave two talks on the need for a Catholic vision. Her very presence was an inspiration and a joy. Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., spoke of the riches of a Catholic renewal in the media and liturgy. Fathers John Hardon, S.J., Thomas Dubay, S.M., George Rutler, Robert Sirico, and Mr. John F. Kippley, founder of the Couple to Couple League, and Dr. Timothy O'Donnell, president of Christendom College, all gave dynamic presentations. Videotapes of all talks are available through Pierpont Productions, 9387 Trails End, Petoskey, MI. 49770, (Phone [phone]).

There is no reason why the "Call to Holiness" formula cannot be adopted as a model for successful conventions in Canada. The call to holiness is a universal vocation. Holiness is nothing else than living the truth and Canadian Catholics have been victimized by a gravely defective catechetical system which has left many religiously illiterate. There is a desperate need for a dynamic presentation of our Faith which could serve as a guide to Catholic living. "Call to Holiness" or similar gatherings, with expert speakers, correct liturgy with confessions available and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day could be a turning point in the life of the Church in Canada. We need an existing organization or new groups to initiate proceedings. This is a unique and historic opportunity to seize the future for God, for the Church, for Canadian Catholics.

Vincent Foy