Prayer group rooted in the Holy Spirit

Edie Gouin

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

Although Edie Gouin moved away from Assumption Parish many years ago, she never stopped supporting the weekly charismatic prayer group she helped establish.

Seven people once gathered in the crying room at Assumption Church with the permission of then pastor Father John MacNeil, to dedicate the group to the Blessed Lady of Seven Sorrows.

For 30 years, the group has gathered every Monday to honour the Mother of God for her simplicity of faith, obedience and humility, and to celebrate her feast Sept. 15.

"There was not one chair available in the hall then. It was the presence of the Holy Spirit doing his work. It was like a revival."

The number of members fluctuated and as the years passed, the group has aged. Gouin still believes the group has a great purpose.

"I encourage calling ourselves a charismatic prayer group because we believe in the role of the charisms and the importance of prayer."

Gouin noted former Assumption Parish pastor Father Clem Gauthier's spirit as an encouraging force for the group.

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