'Aflame with the Holy Spirit': Delegates set on fire after 2026 Birmingham Conference
- Mike Weaver
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Mike Weaver
10–14 August 2026 Theme: Return, Receive, Rejoice – “Everything I have is yours” (Luke 15:31)
Overview
Eighty delegates gathered at St John’s Hotel, Solihull, for the Annual Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference, entering five days of prayer, teaching, fellowship, and renewal under the theme “Everything I have is yours.”
The Conference opened in an atmosphere of joy and expectancy, shaped profoundly by Bishop Timothy Menezes’ homily on the Feast of St Lawrence.
Opening Homily – Bishop Timothy Menezes
Bishop Menezes reflected on the Father’s words in St Luke’s Gospel, reminding delegates that they are not only an invitation but a reassurance of God’s lavish generosity. He cautioned: “We miss the blessings that are showered upon us because we are busy focussing on what we don’t have or what others have.”
Drawing on the witness of St Lawrence—deacon, martyr, and servant of the poor—he invited participants to enter the week as “days of grace, filled with the Holy Spirit,” ready to receive anew the rich inheritance the Father never withholds.
Hope and Purpose Ministries – Deacon Larry and Andi
Deacon Larry and his wife Andi (Hope and Purpose Ministries, Kenner, Louisiana) preached, taught, exhorted, and testified throughout the week. Their ministry centred on the parable of the Prodigal Son and the Father’s words to the elder son:
“Everything I have is yours.”
Their sessions encouraged delegates to embrace their identity as beloved children of the Father and to live from the abundance of His gifts.
Teaching – Terry Quinn
Catholic evangelist and author Terry Quinn delivered powerful teaching marked by clarity, scriptural depth, and boldness. His keynote, “The Battle for Our Attention,” addressed:
· the dominance of social media
· the rise of Artificial Intelligence
· the resulting spiritual and psychological manipulation
He urged delegates to guard their attention and keep their gaze fixed on Christ. His message called for personal renewal and deeper commitment to the Church’s mission.
Workshop – Spirit of Motherhood & Fatherhood
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Rachel Mackenzie, and Ben Thatcher led a moving workshop on:
· how abortion harms the family
· the need for women to cultivate a Spirit of Motherhood
· the call for men to embrace a Spirit of Fatherhood
Ben Thatcher shared his experience of Spiritual Fatherhood as an adoptive father, drawing inspiration from St Joseph’s welcoming heart.
Testimony – Ros Powell
Ros Powell, whose mission is “on earth to increase heaven and decrease hell”, offered inspiring daily testimonies. She ministered alongside the Prayer and Healing Ministry Team, encouraging delegates to open themselves to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Sacraments
Delegates had regular opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Daily Mass
Holy Mass was celebrated each day:
· Bishop Tim Menezes, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham and Patron of the Conference – Opening Mass
· Father Stephen Fleming, Our Lady of the Wayside, Shirley
· Father Eamonn Corduff, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire; Chaplain to the Conference – Closing Mass
· Father John Cavanagh – Concelebrant at each Mass
Conclusion
Participants left the Conference healed in heart, strengthened in their true calling, and aflame with the Holy Spirit—ready to set the world on fire with the love of Christ.
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