Master of Ceremonies
Father Rene Canales
Hispanic Ministry at Our Lady of Hope, Blackwood NJ
Moderator of the Camden Diocese Catholic Renewal
The youngest of six children, Rene Canales was born in La Unión, El Salvador, on Oct. 29, 1974. At 8 years old Rene's father passed away, by the time he reached 16 years old Father Canales left El Salvador with a group from his area, determined to make it to the United States for an opportunity to support his mother. Traveling through many danger territories and situations Rene finally made it across the U.S. border into Arizona, and he traveled to Homestead, Fla., where he had friends. Without documents and unable to speak English, the only job option for Father Canales was to work in agriculture.
In 1995, Father Canales decided to move to New Jersey. He worked in the kitchens at different casino restaurants in Atlantic City, washing pots and pans. When he wasn’t working, he was involved in the Latino Catholic community in Atlantic City. He had felt stirrings of a religious vocation since he was 7 years old, and in 1997 he applied to enter formation for the priesthood in the Diocese of Camden. He was accepted in 1998 and attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. As he moved through formation, Father Canales continued to struggle with the U.S. immigration system and finally, in 2011, after almost 20 years in the United States, he obtained permanent resident status. Today, Father Rene celebrates the sacraments in Spanish and English, and also, helps immigrants navigate the US immigration system to become citizens of the United States.
Father Rene Canales is a beloved spiritual Father, that has taught many what it means to evangelize with joy, with his energetic and loving spirit, he welcomes all peoples and inspires them to live their faith joyfully. We are so blessed as a committee to have Father Rene as our Moderator and spiritual director for the October conference.
Guest Speaker
FATHER JIM BLOUNT, SOLT
Society of Our Lady of The Most Holy Trinity, Atlanta, GA
Fr. James Blount is an internationally known Exorcist Priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity (SOLT) – Georgia Mission. A very gifted Spiritual Director and Confessor, Fr. Jim is a bold charismatic preacher endowed and empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He speaks of living a life in relationship with each of the Persons of the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. His teachings depict his deep love for the Eucharist and his intimate relationship, love and devotion to Jesus and Mary draws many souls to also fall in love with them. Father is a powerful instrument of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by so many stories of miracles, healings and conversions. His talks help to increase awareness of the intense Spiritual Battle in our present world where evil has waged war against the Sacred thus aiming toward the destruction of holy family life. His humble boldness and untiring drive to minister to the lost and ill are particularly noteworthy. Dedicated to his healing and deliverance ministry, Father travels preaching and proclaiming the Gospel whenever and wherever he can, in the United States and abroad. We are so happy to have Father Jim back again this year and look forward to his bold deliverance of the words of God. AMEN!
Guest Speaker
FATHER ARIEL HERNANDEZ
Pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Landisville, NJ
Father Ariel was born and raised in Argentina. After completing his studies at Jesus the Good Shepherd Seminary in Argentina, he was called by Our Lady Queen of Peace to the priesthood in the United States. Father’s calling was confirmed by Bishop Di Marzio who ordained Father Ariel on the Feast of Our Lady Help of All Christians in 2003. He is very active in the healing ministry and he celebrates a Healing Mass every First Sunday at the St. Michael’s Church in Minotola, NJ. Upon invitation Father travels throughout the tri-state area bringing his Healing Masses to many that have experienced physical and spiritual healing. Father Ariel received a special gift from the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Schoenstatt and he is the sole custodian of a miraculous image of her from Argentina. He celebrates a Mass in her honor every 18th of the month and communicates her message of love to all. Father Ariel has traveled extensively visiting many countries around the world and has attracted many followers he offers for them live broadcasting of his Masses and other events for all to join in through the YouTube Channel, MarianCenterNJ.
For many years, the Camden Diocese Charismatic Conference has been honored to have Father Ariel as Master of Ceremonies at the Annual Conference invoking the love of the Holy Spirit into the lives of all that attend the conference. We are fortunate and honored to have Father Ariel back again this year, as a guest speaker.