DES MOINES, Iowa – The Christ Our Life Conference, scheduled for Oct. 16-17 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines will feature renowned Catholic speakers from around the world – including Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship at the Vatican.
Designed to appeal to those who are searching as well as those who are passionate about their faith, the purpose of the conference is best defined by its mission statement: The purpose of the Christ Our Life Catholic Conference is to inspire souls to seek eternal life through presenting the Glory of Christ to all in attendance.
Mass will be celebrated both Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, reconciliation will be offered.
The event began with the Holy Spirit inspiring two Catholics from the Diocese of Des Moines to hold a Christ-centered Catholic conference in the heartland. Bishop Richard Pates of the Diocese of Des Moines has given the conference his blessing after performing due diligence on the speakers. A large team of dedicated volunteers is praying, working and fundraising to make this conference successful.
Bishop Pates will provide a keynote address and will celebrate the Mass on Saturday, October 16. Traveling from Rome, Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and Cardinal Bishop of Velletri Segni, will celebrate Mass on Sunday, Oct. 17 and will address the conference attendees on Saturday. Born in Nigeria, the Cardinal is the first African in more than 1,000 years to be considered for the papacy. He became the youngest Roman Catholic bishop in the world when he was ordained to the episcopate in 1965 at the age of 32.
During his tenure as Archbishop of Onitsha, he lived as a refugee for nearly three years through the Nigeria-Biafra War, an experience that forever has influenced his life's work. Even as archbishop, the Cardinal remained with his people and relentlessly worked to bring relief, faith and support to those in need. After the war ended, he declined opportunities to leave Nigeria and helped with the rebuilding and repairing of his country. In 1985 at the age of 53, Arinze was elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II, and became one of the youngest members of the College of Cardinals.
While Cardinal Arinze strongly believes in maintaining the Catholic Church's doctrinal integrity, he has been recognized for making significant strides in interfaith outreach. He has made efforts to interweave the African culture into Catholic traditions.
His love of reading has led the Cardinal to author several books including Building Bridges: Inter-religious Dialogue on the Path to World Peace (2004) and The Family Catechism on Tape, Apostolate for Family Consecration.
Other foremost Catholic speakers from around the globe will include:
• Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow: The founder of Scottish International Relief and Mary's Meals, Barrow has turned his scriptural dream of service into reality, and shows how each of us can make a difference as Christ's hands and heart in this world.
• Renee Bondi: In the middle of the night at age 29, Bondi was rendered quadriplegic. This talented speaker and singer inspires us about scripture in our daily life and keeping faith and hope alive, even in the darkest of personal times.
• Matthew Kelly: One of the most popular Catholic speakers today, Kelly brings humor and charm as he fires us up to become "the best version of ourselves," and by teaching the seven critical things we can do to grow closer to God and live the Catholic life we're called to live.
• Marino Restrepo: Kidnapped by Colombian rebels, blindfolded and handcuffed for six months, lying in bat excrement in a cave deep in the jungles . . . thinking he would die each day, Restrepo survived, only to glimpse what few on earth have ever had the privilege to experience.
• Father Rick Wendell: As a young man living for the highs from using alcohol, drugs and women, Wendell was pronounced clinically dead for almost three hours. He relates how God persevered, and how he ultimately became a priest. When he states, "I don't believe in God. I KNOW God," he means it, literally.
Dave and Dawn Kinsman from Shepherd Ministries, joined by their worship band, will provide music for the conference. Dawn has performed all over the United States and Canada, and is committed to the calling of share God's immeasurable love with others.
Ticket prices for the Christ Our Life Catholic Conference are: adults: $48 ($58 if registering after Oct. 1); youth and college students: $30 ($35 after Oct. 1).
If you wish to take advantage of a fundraising opportunity, please consider becoming a Group Leader, which allows your group of 12 or more to qualify for the fundraising program. Visit www.christourlifeiowa.com for further details. To register and learn more about the Christ Our Life Conference Iowa 2010, go to www.christourlifeiowa.com or call 1-888-326-8033.