Walter C. Miller, 93, of Collingswood, who was instrumental in the growth of the Charismatic Renewal in the Diocese of Camden, died March 27.
With the help of the late Auxiliary Bishop James L. Schad, the late Msgr. James P. McIntyre and the late Deacon Frank Iula and his wife, Rose, Mr. Miller helped establish the Charismatic Renewal Movement in the diocese 40 years ago.
Up to his death, he was a conference chairman for the Charismatic Renewal, which continues to hold an annual conference in Wildwood every fall. Those who knew him said he totally dedicated his life to the Holy Spirit and influenced countless others to do the same.
Charismatic prayer meetings began being held in the Camden Diocese in the early 1970s. When Bishop Schad, then pastor of St. Rose of Lima, allowed regular meetings, the movement took off, and soon as many as 500 people were attending.
For more than 40 years, Mr. Miller was also involved with the St. Rose of Lima Church prayer group.
“He was strong, humble and a model of faith,” remembered Msgr. Michael Mannion, who has known Mr. Miller since 1972, dating back to when the two were involved in the prayer group at St. Anne Church in Westville.
“His whole life was a life of prayer,” said Msgr. Mannion, who currently serves as director of the Office of Community Relations for the Diocese of Camden. “He was simple, inspirational and extraordinary.”
Mr. Miller is survived by a brother, Paul Miller.
Relatives, friends and all involved with Charismatic Renewal are invited to Mr. Miller’s viewing, on Friday, April 12 from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, April 13 from 9-9:30 a.m. (Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet) at the McCann-Healey Funeral Home, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 13, 10:30 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Parish, Transfiguration Church, West Collingswood.
Interment, with U.S. Army Military Honors, will take place in Camden County Veterans Cemetery at Harleigh, Camden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to St. Rose of Lima Parish, 300 Kings Highway, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035. In the memo line: for funeral of Walter C. Miller.
Condolences and memorials may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Walter C. Miller.
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