The
healing ministry is rooted in a scriptural understanding
that the human individual needs to become whole. This
healing is both mental and emotional, and is
blessed through prayer which touches the hearts of those
in need of God's love and compassion.
The Blessing of the Holy Spirit imparts a gift of understanding that both heals and renews the wounded heart. Christ, our Healer, frees the heart to love and to trust while renewing the inner spirit, bringing fresh hope and new life.
In celebration of the 2000 Jubilee, Father McAlear
said: "The central mystery to all Christianity is the
Incarnation. The work of salvation and the fruits of the
Spirit flow from this one fundamental truth of the Word
made flesh. Jesus is Emmanuel - God with us. The
Eucharist is His continuing presence in our midst."
This insight permeates all of Father McAlear's teachings. Those who come to hear Father McAlear consider his work to be truly a "Ministry of Hope and Healing," and his teaching gift, to be that of someone who brings "the Word of God--the Voice of Jesus Christ" to the hearts and minds of many individuals.
Father McAlear feels he was called to be a priest in order to bring this message of God's love and peace to believers who earnestly, and sometimes almost desperately, seek the "Spirit of Truth."
Those who listen to Father McAlear's teachings are encouraged to seek holiness in life, a stronger faith, and a renewed depth of sincerity in their belief in Christ.
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a worldwide
congregation, is dedicated to bringing the Good News of
Jesus Christ to the poor and disadvantaged. Only a
living faith in Jesus Christ can bring true hope to the
suffering.
The healing ministry is a way of proclaiming the word and work of Jesus. Saint Eugene de Mazenod, the founder of the Oblates of Mary, left this challenge to his Oblate Community: "Leave nothing undared in proclaiming the Kingdom of God!"
The Healing Ministry is a dramatic proclamation of Christ's living presence in the world today; it is a real experience of His love. As such, it continues the Oblate tradition of ministering to the hurting people in the world.
Father believes that the greatest healing comes
through Eucharist. Therefore, during Mass, he instructs
those who receive the Holy Eucharist to enter into the
healing process by taking their needs and infirmities to
the Lord at the very moment they receive the Eucharist.
After the liturgy, the healing service begins. The Holy Eucharist is brought onto the altar for exposition during the healing service during which attendees pray and adore the Lord. Father McAlear then gives the anointing and blesses and any individual who wishes to come forward for prayer.
With the Holy Eucharist within us and the Holy Eucharist exposed before us we are embraced by the Merciful Heart of Jesus. In this embrace we are all united and the spirit of a loving community is created.
The response to this experience differs for each individual and have included such reactions as openness, awe, a desire to be healed, good will, inspiration, praise, contrition, petition, forgiveness, thanksgiving and more.
After attending Father McAlear's healing mass, many individuals experience emotions that are sometimes too powerful to express in human language; all experience a deep peace.
In
October/November 2003, Father McAlear conducted Healing
Masses and directed retreats in most of the capital
cities in Australia as well as visiting Cairns,
Rockhampton and Townsville in Northern Queensland.
Father McAlear especially enjoyed his time in Papua New Guinea where he conducted a retreat for clergy and lay leaders in Port Moresby. Thousands seeking healing attended evening services there. Also of special significance was a Eucharist-centered teaching day on healing prayer held in Canberra which was attended by over 100 health professionals and others who practiced healing prayer from all over Australia.
Hearts were touched, blessed and healed by Jesus and the Spirit has borne fruit in many lives since Father's visit. "From His breast shall flow fountains of living water"(Jn7:38)
Fr. McAlear will be returning to Australia June 8th - July 8th, 2007. For more details on Father's Australian Outreach, including events planned for this year and books and tapes that can be ordered from within Australia, please click here.