HADDONFIELD – For the past five years, John Audio and his brother Thomas of Sicklerville have been inspired at the annual ManUp South Jersey Conference, enjoying family time together while being energized and renewed in their Catholic faith.
In the days leading up to this year’s men’s spirituality conference, however, John Audio admitted, “I felt the stress [of life]; so much was going on.”
By the end of the day, which included dynamic speakers, fellowship, prayer, and opportunities for Adoration and Confession, he admitted that the internal storm had been calmed.
PHOTO GALLERY: ManUp South Jersey 2023
“Today is energizing me to say, ‘I can do this,’” he said of life’s current challenges. “I’m finding spiritual peace here.”
The conference, held Nov. 11 at Paul VI High School, brought together more than 425 men of all ages. Taking place on Veterans Day, the event began with a Color Corps callout involving the Catholic War Veterans Immaculate Conception Memorial Post 1578, based in Bridgeton, and continued with the singing of the national anthem and “God Bless America.”
Welcoming the crowd in the school’s auditorium, Bishop Dennis Sullivan promised “a spiritual experience … each one of you will be touched by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
He acknowledged the veterans in attendance, thanking them for their service and pledging that all gathered would “pray with gratitude for all who have served in the Armed Forces.” Of those who have died in service to the country, he said, “We remember them in prayer, we honor their memory and we do not forget.”
Among the ManUp speakers were U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Karl H. Gingrich, director of program analysis and evaluation in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, and Capt. Father Daniel L. Mode, a chaplain in the U.S. Navy for the past 35 years.
“The Lord has a plan for you; are you following that path?” Gingrich said, asking the crowd to consider four steps – identity, purpose, plan and path – when it comes to working on the best versions of themselves.
He continued by discussing King David and his relationship with the prophet Nathan, who pointed out the former’s sins, reminded him of God’s blessings and urged him to reform. “Who is your Nathan … who helps you in those moments when you are tested and need resilience?” Gingrich asked. Similarly, he asked the crowd to act as a Nathan to others to help strengthen the journeys of family, friends and acquaintances.
In his presentation, Father Mode shared photos of his ministry and explained the joys and sorrows of being a U.S. Navy chaplain. Author of “The Grunt Padre,” he recounted the story of his subject, Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a U.S. Navy chaplain who gave his life in service to the Marines during the Vietnam War.
“Faith always needs to lead to action; we need to be men who bring peace,” Father Mode said.
Honoring one of those men, Father Mode presented a “challenge coin” for exemplary service to Steven Martin, a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1578, which led to a standing ovation.
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, a nationally known author and powerful evangelist, spoke about strength in faith and challenged all men to “serve, protect and defend the faith [as] priests of your household … who make sure your families get to heaven.” He said, “We strengthen the man, we strengthen the family. We strengthen the family, we strengthen the Church. We strengthen the Church, we take back the culture.”
Looking ahead to the experience that would close the conference, he urged all to spend time with the Lord in front of the Blessed Sacrament, saying, “Listen to the voice of God, and allow that voice to change your life.”
Eucharistic Adoration was led toward the end of the day by Mark Forrest, an internationally known Irish tenor. He also shared his story as a father with special-needs children, and his “personal relationship with Jesus Christ ([that] gets me through challenges.” He exhorted all men to guide others to Christ, for “when we reach the pearly gates, Saint Peter will ask us, ‘Who else did you bring with you?’”
In addition to the guest speakers, Father Adam Cichoski, diocesan director of vocations, and Deacon Charles Schiapelli, assistant director of Diaconate Formation for the Diocese, called for reflection on vocations to the priesthood or religious life. Father Mark Matthias, pastor of nearby Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, presented on the Eucharist. Throughout the day, attendees also had the opportunity to meet and share faith stories with other men during lunch; spend time in the chapel, and browse exhibitors.
Many found insights to add to their spiritual toolkits.
“To be here is a great opportunity to rub elbows with other Christian men,” said retired Deacon James Rocks, a Navy veteran, who from 1965-1968, served aboard the USS Charles P. Cecil destroyer as a radar man. “You don’t always have this chance to engage in this kind of conversation. I enjoy this camaraderie.”
George Fuchs, from Saint Peter Parish in Merchantville, has been coming to ManUp since its inception, and said it is the inspiring messages from speakers like Deacon Burke-Sivers, along with the fellowship and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, “that keep me coming back.”
“I loved the whole experience this year,” he said. Reflecting on Deacon Burke-Sivers’ talk, Fuchs said, “There’s so much value in listening to him; I could hear him on repeat.”
Deacon Anthony Cioe, executive director of ManUp South Jersey, felt confident that at least one aspect of the conference “left each man with something that will help them grow in relationship to the Lord – be it from the speakers, Holy Hour, lunch conversations or exhibitors.”
“Now it’s incumbent on them to let this experience transform their lives, to become who God created them to be, and bring it out into the world,” he said.
Such impact was what the Audio brothers were hoping for their brother, Joseph, who accompanied them for the first time this year.
“It’s been a nice day to reflect. “It’s been good to hear speakers with deep faith,” Joseph Audio said. As well, the event “got me to Confession, which I haven’t been to in years.”
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