With the Blessings of our outgoing parish priest Rev Fr Peter and the support and encouragement of our new parish priest Rev Fr Tomasito, 'The Self Renewal Convention' at St. Mary's Parish Dubai was a turning point in their life for a large number of participants. The four day convention commenced on 9 November 2009 with the theme "BEHOLD I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW" (Revelations 21:5). 

The first day, being the feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Fr Tomasito in his homily said, "St Mary's Church which owes its allegiance to the Lateran Basilica is a pilgrim church, the church of the poor and a Herald.  St Mary's is a herald preaching the word, the good news calling everyone to change.  The Mother Church heralds and once again calls people to undergo change, to be renewed and refreshed, to leave behind what is not good and look forward to tomorrow. Let this be a wake up call for us to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit.  As we celebrate this Mass we humbly ask God to heal not only our physical ailments but also spiritual and emotional ailments".

The four days that followed were infused with an outpouring of grace into the hearts of the faithful in great magnitude.  Daily programme commenced with the Holy Rosary to implore Our Lady's intercession to be 'formed into the image of Jesus and His likeness' and concluded with the Benediction.   The Holy Mass was celebrated daily and the liturgy on each day was supported by the choirs of El Shaddai, Novem Jerusalem, English Charismatic and Jesus Youth prayer groups, with the singing of the theme song "I will make all things new".  On all days, both Fr Joshi and Brother Bob Canton called out many healings and gifts received and those who were healed of their ailments raised their hands in testimony to the works of the Holy Spirit. 

 

On day one, Brother Bob Canton spoke on the topic, "Why lacking in sincerity".  At the close of his talk he led the congregation in a prayer for healing.  Following the Holy Mass Fr Joshi spoke on "Why can't people forgive and love".  Fr Joshi explained that main reasons for unforgiveness that we encounter are money that increases pride, ego that decreases faith, land that decreases love and talents that increase selfishness.  The root reason for all problems is inner wounds.  Fr Joshi said, "Some people are not ready to accept that they have wounds.  Some are not ready to treat their wounds. Why you cannot love is because you cannot trust.  If you love you can do anything".  And echoing the theme of the convention, he quoted from prophet Isaiah, "Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the desert I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers". (Isaiah 43:18-19)

 

 

On the second day of the convention Bob Canton quoted from the Bible where it says, "This place will never be the same again after the events of this week.  Tell them to receive my Word with Joy.  And the Word will bear fruit".  Enlightening the gathered faithful on, 'How we can surrender our weaknesses', he urged, "It is important to see that God is able to work and give us His strength in our weaknesses, for he says: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness'".

Subsequent to the Eucharistic liturgy, Fr Joshi led his talk on "How can people change themselves."   Fr. Joshi asked us to direct our gaze on Jesus like St Peter and convert ourselves through confession of our sins. Confession should be complete with true repentance that gives up the desire to hold on to the comfort and pleasure of sin.  Further and more importantly we must dwell on the divine word and ponder on Jesus in our hearts and pray like Mother Mary.  To overcome the 'selfishness of sin' Fr Joshi advocated that we must 'love'. Love is in giving and we must teach ourselves and our children to give.  God commands us to give ten percent of our strength, time and money.  It is in giving that we receive and are blessed.

On Day Three "The need for inner healing" was stressed and illustrated through several examples by Fr Joshi.  He stated, "Inner wounds are the cause of 95% of sicknesses and bad habits.  The root causes of our inner wounds are fear, anxiety / worry, deep sorrow, guilt feelings and depression.  In John 14:27 Jesus says, 'Peace I give you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give you, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid'".   During the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Br Bob prayed for inner healing, asking the Holy Spirit to walk back with us through various stages of life ranging from conception, birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood to the present moment.  

In his homily during the Holy Mass Fr Joshi emphasised that, "Rosary is not a prayer to our Lady.  It is a prayer that we make with our Mother meditating on the life of Jesus. Some say the Rosary is a repetitious prayer.  But how many times do you say I love you to someone you love?"

When the liturgy of the final day commenced, the congregation was completely motivated to recite the Rosary with faithful devotion.  Fr Joshi later preached on The Power of Prayer saying "it was felt by saints like Padre Pio, Anthony of Padua and Francis of Assisi who toiled like Jesus and communed with the Heavenly Father in prayer. Jesus' prayer was heard by the Father because of His love and reverence for the Father".  Fr Joshi reiterated the importance of family and personal prayer and asked all to invoke the presence of God on all occasions and before any celebration, including weddings, and at all times.  He also exemplified the most powerful prayers:  The Holy Eucharist, The Eucharistic Adoration, Sacred Heart Rosary, Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Way of the Cross. 

The Holy Eucharist was the High-point of the Self-Renewal Convention and was concelebrated by Fr Varghese, Fr Joshi, Fr Tomasito, Fr Antonio, Fr Seraphin, Fr Michael, Fr Freddy and Fr Matthew from Ras Al Khaimah.  During the homily Fr Varghese once again reiterated that God loves us and listens to our prayers. 

Br Bob enumerated further 'The Role of the Holy Spirit' saying "The Holy Spirit is the Love between the Father and the Son, the uncreated power of God."  Before the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Fr Joshi led the congregation in repentance for receiving Jesus in the Holy Communion unworthily.  During the Benediction many hearts were stirred to deep repentance, some felt a warmth, many felt the cool presence and some experienced showers like raindrops - all signs that the Holy Spirit was at work anointing his people, Fr Joshi explained. 

Parish Priest Fr Tomasito thanked the Parish Council members, organizers, the liturgical teams, prayer group leaders and choirs responsible for making the Self Renewal Convention an enriching experience and the congregation for their participation.  He also thanked Fr Joshi and Br Bob for renewing the parishioners through their prayers, words and reflections.  Fr Tomasito reminded the congregation that, "Your Faith has been strengthened.  Remember, God always answers prayers.  To some He answers by granting miracles and to some He answers by giving them patience to bear their trials".

A vote of thanks was made by Godfrey to Oswald Tauro the Main Coordinator of the convention and the organizing team. In turn, Oswald thanked Fr Peter and Fr Tomasito for their support and blessings.