By Martin Barillas
Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dec 17, 2024 / 06:00 am
A recent healing service at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton, Michigan, provided insight into a Catholic charismatic ministry that is widespread globally, as explained by a priest and theologian.
On the evening of Dec. 6, Father Mathias Thelen, co-founder and president of Encounter Ministries, addressed a nearly full church congregation. The service began with uplifting music and a video presentation showcasing a healing service conducted by Father Thelen in Brazil earlier in the year.
Prior to his talk, Rachel Grech, Director of Operations at Encounter Ministries, prayed for Father Thelen, emphasizing God’s love. Thelen started the service by encouraging attendees to share God’s love with one another, emphasizing the importance of this truth.
Thelen explained that the purpose of the service was to bring God’s love to impact “our bodies, our lives,” referencing Mark 16:15 about preaching the Gospel and healing the sick through faith.
Welcome to the World of Healing and Evangelization
Meet Thelan, a licentiate in sacred theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He is the author of “Biblical Foundations for the Role of Healing in Evangelization” and has been featured in documentaries such as “Fearless” and “Revive.” Thelan’s work also includes the article “The Explosive Growth of Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity in the Global South and Its Implications for Catholic Evangelization” in Homiletic and Pastoral Review.
In a recent service, Thelen spoke about the origins of evil in the rejection of God by humanity. He emphasized that sickness was never part of God’s plan and that healing is a crucial aspect of Jesus’ mission. He called for prayers in the name of Jesus, specifically targeting different parts of the body for healing.
Father Brian Gross from North Dakota shared his journey of embracing healing services after an encounter with Thelen. Despite initial skepticism, Gross now teaches at St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota and encourages seminarians to explore Encounter Ministries.
Informal healings outside of church settings are also prevalent in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, with instances reported at events organized by St. Thomas Parish in Ann Arbor.
Professor Mary Healy from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit highlighted the sacrament of anointing of the sick as a powerful healing tool offered by the Church. She noted that while its emphasis has historically been on spiritual healing, the sacrament also holds physical healing properties that have been overlooked over time.
Join us in exploring the transformative power of healing and evangelization in today’s world.
