The Elevate Conference is a one-day event where our Immaculate Heart Radio hosts inspire and encourage you to live out your Catholic faith – but the best part is the opportunity to meet and get to know so many of our amazing listeners! We are able to connect when listeners call-in to shows or e-mail us, but nothing replaces meeting and having a conversation face-to-face.

At each Elevate Conference we are blessed to meet new people and hear their stories, and the Elevate Conference in Phoenix was no exception. A listener named Diane attended the conference on April 22, and afterwards called in to St. Joseph’s Workshop with Father Matthew Spencer to share her experience. Diane said:

“Elevate was an experience that really fed my soul. I was just amazed being amongst my Catholic brothers and sisters – everyone there was just so gracious. I was trying not to be too much of a groupie with all you folks from Immaculate Heart! Fr. Matthew, meeting you was my dream. I mention you as being my spiritual leader and guide.”

Father Matthew also encouraged Diane to share her story about her return to the Catholic faith, and the role Immaculate Heart Radio played. Diane explained:

“Almost 8 months ago I lost my middle child. I had been away from the Church for almost 30 years; I mean, I always believed in Christ and always prayed to Him, but really was not worshipping Him with my community. So, I had moved after my son’s passing into a new community, went to a new parish, and was in the parking lot getting ready to go to Confession after 30 years.

And I e-mailed you, because I had already been listening to you, and you were so gracious. I mentioned to you that I just needed a push from you and some guidance. And, first of all, you welcomed me home to the Catholic Church, which was just in itself a blessing. And then you said, ‘God is love. God loves you. Go in. You can do this!’

And lo and behold, I met Fr. George at my beautiful parish, and he was just as gracious as you were, and in fact used almost the exact same words that you did. At that point I was just bawling, but the love I felt, the fact that it felt like a million bricks had been lifted off of my heart, chest, and shoulders was just amazing. And I haven’t looked back since.

I have not changed my radio station. Immaculate Heart Radio has really saved me and reconnected me with my community and my Catholic brothers and sisters abroad, in Jesus Christ. I am eternally grateful for that, and now I am evangelizing the world.”

Listen to Diane’s story below:

Has Immaculate Heart Radio made a difference in your life? Tell us your story!