THE new year sees a return to its roots for the Alton Day of Renewal.

After a break of 15 years, this popular monthly worship and teaching conference is once again back at Alton Convent, where it started 42 years ago.

Logistical problems at the Alton site in 2002 meant that the conference had to relocate to St Lucy’s Convent in Medstead, but it has now been warmly welcomed back to Alton by Sister Helen Samuel, sister-in-charge of the Convent of Our Lady of Providence, and Graham Maher, headteacher of Alton Convent School.

Founded in 1975 by a team led by the late Ron and Margaret Nicholls, of Basingstoke, Alton Day of Renewal is now one of the longest continually running Catholic Charismatic Days of Renewal in the country.

Meeting usually on the fourth Saturday of each month, the day is dedicated to providing spiritual  refreshment to God’s people in and around the southern counties through a programme of prayer, Eucharist, prophecy, praise, inspired teaching by leading speakers, and healing ministry.

While firmly rooted in the Catholic faith, they welcome and enjoy the fellowship of all Christian denominations.

Alton core group leader Deacon John Foley expressed delight at being back at Alton.

He said: “2017 is the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, so it’s really wonderful and appropriate that we are back home where we started.

“Our programme this year focuses on the gifts, or charisms, of the Holy Spirit, which have been revived and renewed in the Catholic church over the last 50 years.

“These are the gifts – for example healing and prophecy – poured out freely upon the whole Christian Church to enable it to fulfil Christ’s mission.”

The guest speaker at the first session next Saturday (January 28) is Charles Whitehead, a highly respected international conference speaker and author who will be explaining what the gifts of the spirit are, and how they are essential to Christian life.

The conference runs from 11am to 4pm with shared lunch at 1pm. There is Mass in the morning and the main talk in the afternoon. Visitors are welcome either for the whole day, or the morning or afternoon sessions.

There is no need to book a place, and no charge, though a collection will be taken.

For more details, visit altonrenewal.com.