Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 9 – Part 3 of 4: Man With A Gift

18 Jul

As we continued into the cathedral and located our seats a fully equipped band complete with three singers and choir captured our senses with a rapture of charismatic songs. It wasn’t long before all of the seats in the cathedral were filled and there was nothing left but standing room only (which was near max capacity as well). As we settled in for the event, we still didn’t know what to expect. All morning we had heard amazing stories from the other veteran attendees, but we still couldn’t help to be a bit anxious with anticipation.

Then it was time. The band went silent signaling the entire room to do the same. As a peaceful calm came over the group, Father DiOrio walked out onto the stage and took his place at the pulpit. As he looked over the enormous crowd, I was finally able to see him in person.

Middle aged with dark, well trimmed hair, Father DiOrio stood about five foot ten. He was very slim, but fit, with a pleasant smile that exuded charisma and charm. He was dressed in a flowing white robe with a crimson, tasseled, floor length sash that hung across his shoulders.

He addressed the audience with a simple, smiling command: “Jesus is here, let’s worship Him!” He then turned to the band and gestured for them to resume playing and singing. The room came alive with energy and passion. All attention was focused on Father DiOrio’s charismatic presence as he sang right along with the band. The crowd joined in and sang along too. It was a sight to see!

Then Father DiOrio did something that I had never seen in church before. He moved down from his pulpit to the floor area where we were all seated. I looked at mom as if she might have the answer as to why he was doing this. She was looking at me just as confused. As he gently, but purposefully, moved through the crowd, he would walk up to certain people as if he had an urgent message to relay. Whenever he did this, the music would dim and we could hear what he was saying to that person.

We learned that Father DiOrio would use this personal encounter as an opportunity to share the healing power of the Lord. As unbelievable as it seemed, this was a “Gift” from God bestowed upon Father D’Orio. He was just an instrument. A willing and open vessel for God’s healing power.

Throughout the service, Father DiOrio would speak candidly and personally about himself. He shared with us how he was called by God as a young man to bring God’s love and healing to a hurting world. Observing the crowd, I watched as his down to earth nature and humor relaxed and comforted the audience. As we learned of his humble background and upbringing, it was easy to see how anyone could relate to this magnificent man.

Then he said something that captured my undivided attention. “Jesus wants to have a personal relationship with you. To come and live in your heart and be your best friend. He loves you and died for you to have this new life today. He’s waiting for you to say “Yes” to Him. Come as you are. No need to clean things up. That’s His job. We don’t wash our clothes before we put them in the washer. He loves you just the way you are. Come!”

We knew then that we were in the right place. It wasn’t a mass at all. Instead, a man passionately speaking about a relationship he had with a wonderful, magnificent, loving, Saviour and friend named Jesus. That day, Father DiOrio invited us all to have that same relationship with Jesus. His friendship was waiting. All we had to do was accept.

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