CCR’s life in the spirit seminar changed my life – Fr. Andrew Campbell

Director of the Weija Leprosarium, Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, SVD, has opened up about the impact of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal’s (CCR) Life in the Spirit Seminar on his life.

According to Fr. Campbell, an encounter with the programme changed him from someone who feared public speaking to an eloquence he never imagined.

Speaking in an interview with Catholic Trends, the Divine Word Missionaries priest said, “When I was ordained, I was always a shy priest,” reflecting on his initial apprehensions towards public speaking. “I was always sitting at the back on occasions. And when I came to Ghana too, I was very quiet.”

He noted that his life took a turn upon his involvement with the Charismatic Renewal movement, serving as chaplain for 13 years, an experience he described as “a blessing.”

“It’s like a retreat, and it was a beautiful weekend,” he recounted, referring to the life in the spirit seminar. During this retreat, Fr. Campbell said he received an unexpected gift through the intercession of a Sister from America and her companions.

“What do you ask God for?” they inquired. “Gift of Words,” Fr. Campbell responded.

From that divine encounter onwards, Fr. Campbell said his life took on a new dimension. “God has given me this gift,” he declared. “Speeches, Interviews… There is always an occasion for speaking and talking.”

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He explained that this gift has propelled him into diverse speaking engagements, from educational retreats at St. Roses SHS for over three decades to addressing audiences at prestigious institutions like the University of Ghana and KNUST.

Even daunting tasks, such as delivering retreats to fellow priests, once a source of dread, became opportunities for growth and empowerment. “Something I would dread, so to me, it has been a blessing,” Fr. Campbell affirmed.