Posted on 08/17/2009 5:14:11 AM PDT by markomalley
He is one of the most dynamic and sometimes controversial preachers in the Catholic Church today.
Father John Corapi will be speaking to over 12,000 people at HSBC Arena Saturday, August 15th for the largest religious conference to be held here in over a decade.
The day before the event at the Adams Mark Hotel, thousands waited in line from 8:00am until 5:00pm for a chance to meet him. Fr. Corapi's sermons are broadcast worldwide on the Catholic Television Network EWTN.
People traveled to Buffalo from 45 U.S. states and six countries-- some as far away as Australia. Corapi says that for him, it's humbling.
"I'm conscious that I'm loved. I'm also conscious that I'm hated," says Corapi. "And it's impossible today to function effectively in the Catholic Church, or any place else, unless you're loved and hated. Because if everybody thinks you're OK, you're probably useless."
David Herrera traveled from El Paso, Texas to hear Corapi speak. He likes his approach.
"He doesn't sugar coat anything," says Herrera. "If it's wrong it's wrong and he just tells it like it is, you know? Straight talker," he adds.
Young and old, cradle-Catholics and converts are drawn to this unapologetic conservative Catholic.
Walter Case, a 60-something convert from New Orleans made the trip to Buffalo with his daughter. He says he's become a huge fan of Corapi's sermons over the past two years.
"He's the most amazing speaker I've ever heard. He just inspires me and I love him and I just wanted to come see him," says Case.
The August 15th conference is sponsored by Catholic radio station WLOF, 101.7 FM in Buffalo where Corapi's sermon's can be heard daily.
Tickets to the one-day conference are still available and can be purchased at the Arena box office for $45 each. The conference starts at 8:00 am and goes until 6:00 pm and include Mass to be celebrated with Buffalo Bishop Edward Kmiec.
Click on the icon to hear Maryalice Demler's full interview with Father Corapi.
Anybody go to hear him?
Bump (even though it's moot now) from two great fans of Fr. Corapi!
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