So much has happened this past fall and we're excited to tell you about it!
The Unbound Unpacked e-book is being upgraded and published as a small in-print book, with foreword by Dr. Mary Healy and imprimatur from our local Chancery. Printed copies will help get this short introduction to Unbound into the hands of those who need it.
Dr. Mary Healy has been a good friend of ours, ever since attending the first conference after Unbound was published in 2003. At the time, she saw the need and invited us to do a conference for her community. Recently Dr. Healy shared on our podcast about the Fourth Key of Unbound and last month kindly found room in her overflowing schedule when Neal requested a big favor by asking her to write the foreword for Unbound Unpacked.
Dr. Healy’s foreword, along with the imprimatur, allow us to update and republish the e-book as well. Look for updated information coming soon (January 2025) about this exciting project.
Last month Matt visited the Houses of Mercy in Poland, speaking to 600 conference attendees and training 300 leaders, with 30 ministry teams providing Unbound prayer. From there, he met Janet and Neal in England for the European Unbound priest retreat. Eighty priests attended, mostly from the U.K. but also from Ireland, Scotland, Romania, and Hungary. Many held significant positions in their dioceses and welcomed us without reservation.
Bishop Scott McCaig, Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada, and Fr. Antonio Ritaccio from the U.K. were the spiritual directors. Over fifty priests received personal ministry and the numerous Unbound leaders who came to serve. Many gave testimony to the critical timing of this event in their priesthood. Bishop Scott and Fr. Antonio made a big impact through their presence, preaching, and personal ministry.
The local bishop, Rt. Rev. Patrick McKinney of Nottingham, promoted the event, gave personal financial support, and personally welcomed us – celebrating the opening and closing masses. The vision and extraordinary efforts of Sue Walsh, our Heart of the Father regional coordinator, made the retreat a huge success.
From England, Janet and Neal visited friends in Ireland, taking three days to tour the west coast and visit Galway and Dublin.
Matt, Jenn, and three of their children then went off to serve at a conference in Costa Rica – our first time in that country. The entire family was generously invited and hosted for two extra days. We can’t wait to hear more about this first truly-family mission!
