FMI founder Eddie Russell explained that this year’s theme sought to address the experience of being Catholic in today’s climate. Photo: Richard AF Cooke.
By Josh Low
Being upstanding and bold in the Catholic faith without compromising beliefs was the focus of the recent 28th annual Flame Ministries International (FMI) Congress.
Held from Friday 19 January to Sunday 21 January at John XXIII College in Claremont, the Congress, entitled The Days of the 7th Trumpet, included day sessions and night rallies which looked primarily at the Book of Revelations and relating it to the world today.
Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey was one of the keynote speakers at this year’s FMI Congress, held at John XXIII College in Claremont. Photo: Richard AF Cooke.
Over 100 people were present over the weekend which saw a host of speakers including Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey, Fathers Ted Miller and Lucius Roy Pereira, FMI Founder Eddie Russell, members Kaye Rollings and Cyrus D’Souza, as well as Anne Marie Gatenby.
The three day event saw praise and worship with music and preaching, with Mass on Sunday morning celebrated by Fr Ted Miller.
FMI founder Eddie Russell explained that this year’s theme sought to address the experience of being Catholic in today’s climate.
“It is a climate that requires us to take note, take up the Cross, recognise the enemy, and to be upstanding and bold in our faith and belief without compromise.
“The Book of Revelation was an encouragement to Christians of the first century and even to us now, to stand firm in the faith and to avoid compromise with paganism, despite the threat of adversity and even martyrdom,” he said.
“The foundation scripture that inspired this congress is from Rev 11:15, ‘then the seventh angel blew his trumpet. There were loud voices in heaven saying, “The kingdom of the world now belongs to our Lord and to His Anointed, and He will reign forever and ever.”
“The Book of Revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for Christians of all time and especially for us Catholics today.”
The three day event also saw praise and worship throughout, led by the Flame Music Ministry. Photo: Richard AF Cooke.
Mr Russell said that providing delegates with a platform from which they could draw courage, hope and joy was behind the work of the Congress.
“In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all Christians are called to trust in Jesus’ promise, ‘Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.
“Helping this to become a reality for the people here in Australia was the driving force of the weekend as they began to see the divine power bestowed and so draw courage, hope, and joy from messages inspired by the Holy Spirit,” he concluded.