Hundreds attend 21st Men's Conference

 By Tanya Connor | The Catholic Free Press 

Hundreds of men from the Worcester Diocese and beyond were challenged to worship God, confess their sins, lead their families, re-take the culture and bring as many people with them to heaven as they can. 

They were participating in the 21st annual Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference April 2 at Assumption University. About 450 men attended in person, and there were about 25 remote sites, said conference co-chairman Angelo Guadagno.    

The men listened to speakers, went to confession, participated in Mass with Bishop McManus, joined musicians Ryan and Elizabeth Tremblay in song, and browsed the tables of 50 vendors. Conference participants expressed appreciation for speakers and rejoiced in the opportunity to fellowship in person with brothers in Christ. 

Preaching at the closing Mass, Bishop McManus spoke of the importance of brothers coming together in a divided society and said that, despite their differences, they have one Lord, one faith and one baptism. 

He talked about the Gospel of the adulterous woman whom Jesus didn’t condemn, and said, “Our God is a God of second chances.” St. Augustine said that, in that Gospel, Jesus was not looking at the woman’s sins, but our sins, Bishop McManus said. Jesus took our sins on himself on the cross and “we were set free.” The bishop suggested that, when he elevated the Host, worshippers hear Jesus saying to them, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin now more.” 

He urged listeners to leave the conference recommitting themselves to being missionary disciples. Their mission, he said, is to get to heaven and take as many people with them as they can, beginning with the people they love the most. 

Starting the conference, pro-life runner and Air Force Academy professor Pat Castle had the men make the “sacrifice” of holding their hands up for awhile if they want to go to heaven.  

He told them that, by their baptism, they are priests (offering sacrifices); prophets (speaking truth, such as facts about abortion, to re-take a culture filled with lies), and kings (adopted sons of the Creator, having God’s authority). He challenged the men to protect the unborn by what they wear, what they share on social media, what they eat (the Eucharist) and by celebrating life with a joyful public witness. He invited those who’d aided abortions to “man up” and stand up. At least 12 did so, and he said they were now redeemed.  

Media executive and former professional football player Kevin O’Brien, who helped start the Worcester’s men’s conference and one in Milwaukee, offered tips for spiritual success: gain self-mastery, purpose and good habits; feed your mind with good thoughts, let God father your family through you, form friendships with great men and “have a ‘do-it-now' mindset.”  

Father Anthony Hamaty, a former physician and now a priest of the Diocese of St Augustine, Florida, ordained in 2020, described confession as “coming to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.” He warned listeners to avoid pornography and protect their marriages and children, to realize that the tongue that receives the Eucharist must not curse or cut people down, and to watch out for anger and envy. He recommended using an examination of conscience on the website fathersofmercy.com and going to confession monthly or every two weeks. 

World-renowned skier Dan Egan talked about and showed pictures of some of his skiing adventures, including being lost in a storm for hours. He said he’s a broken man who’s divorced, childless and sober for 33 years, and he loves “Rattle!” a song about resurrection that he showed listeners on large screens.  

He told about being given another man’s Bible at a Bible study, and about how Jonah converted people through his disobedience and his obedience. Mr. Egan said it’s easy to turn back to God by going to adoration.  

Parish mission speaker Tim Francis also talked about going astray, drinking and doing drugs, and about being moved by a FOX network special called “Signs from God, Science Tests Faith.” He showed clips of a woman receiving wounds resembling Christ’s. He also talked about Eucharistic miracles, words of Pade Pio and church teachings, and urged listeners to go to confession, really participate in Mass and offer their suffering to help others.  

After the conference Mr. Guadagno said, “The speakers exceeded expectation and each speaker gave every attendee a take-away.” 

He said DVDs of the conference can be ordered by emailing George Willett at gwillett1812@gmail.com. 

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