Fallible Blogma organized something pretty neat for October - Support A Catholic Speaker Month. Over one hundred Catholic speakers - some nationally known, others not-so-famous - were put on a list, and then Catholic bloggers were asked to post about one of the speakers. The goal is to increase awareness about all these speakers and provide support to their ministries (btw, there are a couple 'orphan' speakers left - consider adopting one and help out the cause!)
I was asked to participate, and I selected Ralph Martin.
Ralph Martin is co-founder and President of Renewal Ministries, based in Ann Arbor, MI. Their mission is to foster renewal and evangelization in the Catholic Church by helping people know the personal love of God in Jesus and grow in holiness.Ralph hosts the television program The Choices We Make (seen locally in the Archdiocese of Detroit), as well as The Fulfillment of All Desires, as seen on EWTN. He participates in mission events around the world, and when he's not travelling hither and yon, Ralph teaches Theology as an Assistant Professor at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit - as well as directing the seminary's Graduate Programs in the New Evangelization.
I've had the good fortune of hearing Ralph speak on three different occasions, most recently at a men's conference held at our parish last December. He spoke on persevering joyfully through the ups and downs of life - a very uplifting message at the time, given the onrush of uncertain economic conditions and the 2008 Presidential election. He didn't rely on opinions, but on the truths of the Church, and brought together his own life experiences with the examples of the saints. What resulted was an inspirational talk that focused on authentic Hope, unswerving Faith and powerful Love. His soft-spoken, easy-going style underscores a deep love for Christ and His Church, and a fervent commitment to spread the Gospel, encouraging his audiences to grow in holiness, regardless of present circumstances.
