Steubenville, Ohio, Jun 21, 2004 / 22:00 pm
One of the Pope’s preachers travelled to the Franciscan University of Steubenville to speak before 1,300 people during a recent Catholic Charismatic Conference, reported the Herald-Star.
Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., gave two talks, titled “The Healing Power of the Holy Spirit” and “The Astonishing Intervention of the Holy Spirit.”
Fr. Cantalamessa was a professor at the Catholic University of Milan, Italy, before being appointed by Pope John Paul II as a preacher to the papal household in 1980. He preaches weekly in the presence of the Pope, various cardinals, bishops and Vatican officials.
Fr. Cantalamessa commented on his experience as preacher to the papal household, calling it a humbling experience and saying that it requires much preparation. The priest said he usually preaches on current issues for the Church.
"The challenge is not letting the Pope lose focus,” he was quoted as saying.
Fr. Cantalamessa keeps speaking engagements throughout the world and hosts a weekly program on Italian state television. He is the author of 16 books.